Based on a 1994 Albert Finney film, A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE was adapted for the musical stage by composer Stephen Flaherty, lyricist Lynn Ahrens, and book author Terrence McNally. The well-crafted musical made its debut in 2002 at the Lincoln Center in New York City, where it won the Outer Critics Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical. Revivals in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2022 were well received. In 2025, A Noise Within proudly presents A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE.
Kasey Mahaffy and Ensemble – Photo by Craig Schwartz
The time is 1964, and the place is Dublin, where an amateur theater group and its passionate leader attempt to bring Oscar Wilde’s Salome to life. By day, Alfie Byrne (Kasey Mahaffy) is a Dublin bus conductor – but the night brings his true self to the fore as he stages and directs his local theater troupe, the St. Imelda Players. Alfie has two joys in his lackluster life: the poetry of Oscar Wilde and Alfie’s metamorphosis into theater director Byrne. But perhaps Alfie’s latest project will be his downfall. He plans to stage a production of Salome against the objections of his church sponsors, who see the play as obscene and pornographic. When Alfie lays eyes on newcomer Adele Rice (Analisa Idalia), he is sure that he has found his Salome and cemented his next production. Meanwhile, he carries on his duties as bus conductor with bus driver and best friend Robbie (CJ Eldred). At home, Alfie lives with his sister Lily (Juliana Sloan), who has delayed her marriage to care for her bachelor brother. What will happen when she realizes that Alfie’s only attraction to Adele is as an actor in his troupe? And that Alfie may in fact not be interested in the fair sex at all?
Kasey Mahaffy and CJ Eldred – Photo by Craig Schwartz
Co-artistic director Julia Rodriguez-Elliott and music director Rod Bagheri helm A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE with a strong but also delicate hand as Alfie faces the forces of bigotry and shame in his quest to create a more meaningful inner world within his mundane outer world. The entire cast does an excellent job of breathing life into Alfie and those close to him: Dublin literally hums with excitement. To add to the enjoyment is a live, five-piece orchestra featuring violin and reeds to incorporate a distinctive Irish flavor. Of particular note is the seamless choreography gliding actors and props from scene to scene.
David Nevell and Kasey Mahaffy – Photo by Craig Schwartz
The production team lends its skills to recreate the Dublin of the 1960s – including Francois-Pierre Couture’s scenic design, Angela Balogh Calin’s costumes, Stephen Taylor’s wigs and makeup, Ken Booth’s lighting, and Andrea Allmond’s sound. A Noise Within has again nailed it. A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE is a well-crafted, well-acted production which will entertain and offer some thought-provoking historical perspectives. Alfie is Everyman – a man of no importance but also a man who holds the torch of creativity and dreams.
Kasey Mahaffy and Juliana Sloan – Photo by Craig Schwartz
A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE runs through June 1, 2025, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays (no Saturday matinee on 5/10), and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. A Noise Within is located at 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107. Tickets start at $41.50 (student discounts start at $20). Wednesday 5/7 and Thursdays 5/8 are Pay What You Choose starting at $10. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For information and reservations, call 626-356-3100 or go online.
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I loved this musical. I recommend it for a fun date, go see it. It will give you something to talk about.