It would be obvious to anyone with a penchant for science fiction and fantasy that one supreme master of the genre is prolific writer and international book prizewinner, Ray Bradbury.
But who knew such a solid fixture of the literary scene for over 50 years would have any time to write for both the screen and theater, and have a deep love and connection to both forms? Surely the tale to be told (if meant for the stage) would suggest supernatural beings, unexplained phenomena and propose alternative realities to the one we call our own.
Instead, it was other-worldly to step inside Theater West on Cahuenga Blvd. in Hollywood and find the stage transformed into a very earthly, noisy Irish pub, complete with patronage downing pints and taking turns to belt out another loud Irish ballad.
For taking place this evening was the opening night production of “Falling Upward” by Mr. Ray Bradbury, hugely popular, writer-extraordinaire. 
Reviving the comedy that set box office records at the Falcon Theatre in 2001, this night was particularly special as it included celebrations for the playwright’s recent 87th birthday. Sitting near the front of the stage for the performance, Bradbury seemed utterly delighted to be in the house to champion his actors’ first night, whilst being honored with a special award from the Pulitzer organization at curtain’s close.
It was many decades ago that Bradbury spent nine months in Ireland working on the script for Moby Dick for director, John Huston. The writer’s free time enjoying the local pub culture led him to be inspired by the regulars that he encountered at his favorite watering hole in the township.
The unique fellowship associated with drinking and pubs in Ireland was something that struck a chord with Bradbury. Thus the play’s story is largely character-driven and relates the adventures of the locals at Heeber Finn’s pub in County Kilcock.
Through dealing with curve balls thrown into the normal village routine by a band of foreigners (amongst other events), the men learn that they share more similarities than differences with those whose way of living they do not recognize.
The play is excellent- the cast have the accents, camaraderie and seamless execution of their parts that makes the pub environment palpable, leaving little between the audience’s imagination and the tangible experience within a “real” Irish stomping ground. 
The first Ireland native to direct this play, Tim Byron Owen has magically blurred the line of comedy, fable and pantomime, setting the tone of the room so succinctly that one could be mistaken for thinking they are part of the action. Owen’s involvement with the Celtic Arts Theatre and production company formed with Nick Cassavetes has spawned multiple plays, and several films, evidence that such a successful collaboration of talent across the board is no accident.
Using a group of 24 seasoned theatre professionals in the all-male cast, the evening’s performance proved to be some of the finest two hours in LA theater. Yet the spotlight seemed built for Pat Harrington, one of the most gifted and generous performers seen to grace the stage.
Emmy, Golden Globe and Dramalogue award-winner Harrington is perhaps best known for his character Dwayne Schneider on "One Day at a Time" and Guido Panzini on "The Jack Parr Show." With credits that stretch from Broadway to the big screen, this marvelous craftsman provided the glue that cements this stellar production, slipping effortlessly between narrator and leading character with little more than a step out from one light and into another.
Scheduled for just six performances September 7-16, this must-see show is not just a chance to catch a bit of Bradbury but a view toward the Irish having more than a clue as to what makes life the very best.
Falling Upward or “To Eire is Human, To Forbid Divine”
By Ray Bradbury
Theatre West is located at 3333 Cahuenga Boulevard West, LA, CA 90068. There is free parking in a lot across the street.
For more information and online ticketing go to www.theatrewest.org
You can also buy tickets through the reservation line: 323.851.7977
To learn more about the Pulitzer organization go to www.pulitzer.org
