A Noise Within presents A Man of No Importance, an intimate and evocative musical from the Tony Award-winning team behind Ragtime. The production, helmed by co-artistic director Julia Rodriguez-Elliott alongside music director Rod Bagheri, runs from May 10 to June 1, with previews beginning May 4.
Set in 1960s Dublin, the story follows bus conductor Alfie Byrne, portrayed by Kasey Mahaffy. Alfie finds joy in the poetry of Oscar Wilde and directing amateur plays with the St. Imelda Players. However, his decision to stage Wilde’s Salome in his local parish is met with opposition, forcing him to confront bigotry, religious resistance, and his own struggles with identity.
A Story of Humanity and Community
“This is a story about recognizing our collective humanity,” says Rodriguez-Elliott. “It’s about love, acceptance, and the power of theater to bring people together.”
Joining Mahaffy on stage are Juliana Sloan as Lily (Alfie’s sister), Neill Fleming as Father Kenny, and CJ Eldred as Robbie. Other cast members include Bryce Bock, LeShay Tomlinson Boyce, Emily Kosloski, Howard Leder, Amber Liekhus, Ed F. Martin, David Nevell, and Analisa Idalia. Jack Zubieta plays the role of Breton Beret.
A live, five-piece orchestra featuring violin and reeds enhances the musical’s Irish atmosphere.
Creative Team and Production Details
The production’s creative team includes:
- Scenic Designer: François-Pierre Couture
- Lighting Designer: Ken Booth
- Sound Designer: Jeff Gardner
- Costume Designer: Angela Balogh Calin
- Wig & Makeup Designer: Tony Valdés
- Properties Designer: Stephen Taylor
- Fight Choreographer: Kenneth R. Merckx, Jr.
- Dialect Coach: Andrea Odinov
- Intimacy Director: Sasha Smith
- Dramaturg: Miranda Johnson-Haddad
Angela Sonner serves as production stage manager, with Hope Matthews as assistant stage manager.
Performance Schedule and Special Events
- Previews: May 4 at 2 p.m.; May 7-9 at 7:30 p.m.
- Regular Performances: May 10 – June 1 (Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. No matinee on May 10.)
- INsiders Discussion Group: May 11 at 12:30 p.m.
- Post-Performance Conversations: Fridays (except previews) and May 18
- Accessible Performances:
- May 24 (audio description for blind or low-vision patrons)
- May 31 & June 1 (closed captioning via GalaPro app)
Student matinees are available on select weekdays at 10:30 a.m.; educators may inquire via [email protected].
Ticket Information
- Tickets start at $51.50 (including fees)
- Student tickets from $20
- Preview performances (May 7 & 8): Pay What You Choose, starting at $10
- Group discounts available for parties of 10+
Venue Details
A Noise Within is located at:
3352 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107
For tickets and more information, visit www.anoisewithin.org or call (626) 356-3100.
