The Eve of Beltane
A New Metaphysical Fantasy Play
By Joe Izen and Coni Koepfinger
Support Our ProductionAbout The Play: A Tale of Celtic Magic and Reincarnated Love
It is the night before the Celtic Festival of Beltane, an ancient May Day ritual, a time when the otherworldly cast is close at hand. Druids march as dark spirits rise in shadow only to be squelched by the brilliance of the light. Young maidens hang the festive boughs while the boys, blindfolded, meet on the drumlins, eating the ember cakes marked with charcoal. Here, one unlucky fellow, with the stained piece will have to leap the flames of the bonfire three times to please the ancient tradition.
Behind the cheering gaiety, two voices are heard crying out to each other. The flame of a lantern shows Jenny and Johnny, as they huddle together in a churchyard attempting to make an escape from her father's henchmen. Their love is forbidden.
"The Eve of Beltane" then jumps centuries into the present, where Jenny and Johnny meet again as college students at Notre Dame. While their reincarnated spirits seek to consummate their love, Jenny's father, Derry O'Leary still stands in their way refusing to allow his daughter to marry beneath her. Enter Dr. Kelson O'Leary, a transmigrated Merlin, who recognizes the gravity of true love. Now when Jenny brings Johnny home, the crafty professor of myth and magic helps to align the stars that allow Derry to see the fire of love that burns beyond all worldly limitation. This metaphysical fantasy explores themes of eternal love, destiny, and Celtic magic.
Soundtrack & Visual Showcase
Immerse yourself in the music and visuals of "The Eve of Beltane".
Original Music from the Play
Eve of Beltane (Theme)
Love Asks Not Why
'Til Life is Through
I'll Fight For Love
And We Won't be Home 'Til Mornin'
Dance of the Stags (Beltane Dance)
Trailers & Featurettes
Video by James Scheider (Johnny Aiden Miller) performing "Jenny" and discussing "The Eve of Beltane" play.
Meet the Creative Team
Coni Koepfinger
Playwright / Creative Director
Award-winning playwright Coni Koepfinger (TYA, NAMT, Dramatists Guild) is known for provocative new works in NYC (Manhattan Rep). A 2021 Olwen Wymark Theatre Award recipient, she's a Media Advisor for Lifeboat Foundation and former board member for ICWP and LPTW, bringing her unique vision to "The Eve of Beltane".
Joe Izen
Lyricist / Playwright
Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Joe Izen honed his craft in Greenwich Village clubs like "The Bitter End." He opened for Joe Cocker and played the Philadelphia Folk Festival. His evocative music and lyrics are central to the magic of "The Eve of Beltane," with songs available on major digital platforms.
Elizabeth R Piccoli
Director / Dramaturge
Liz Piccoli (SDC, AEA, AGMA) is a versatile director/choreographer with experience in ballet (NYC Metropolitan Opera), musicals (West Side Story), TV, and film. She brings a vibrant, multifaceted approach to directing "The Eve of Beltane," drawing from her rich career in musicals, plays, and operas.
Matthew Everingham
Musical Director
New Zealand-born Matthew Everingham is a NYC-based music director, composer, and pianist. A Teaching Artist for Roundabout Theatre Company, his work with Gallery Players, The Randy Andys, and Royal Caribbean Productions informs his musical direction for "The Eve of Beltane". Credits include "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Next To Normal".
Byron C. Saunders
Stage Manager / Associate Producer
Byron C. Saunders served as Stage Manager for "Eve of Beltane" at the NYC Broadway Bound Theater Festival. His credits include directing the Best Play of the 2016 One Festival and an Obie Award for Playwriting Development as Executive Director of Frank Silvera Writer's Workshop.
Martin Platt
General Manager
Director, Producer, and General Manager Martin Platt has over 40 years of experience in the U.S., U.K., and Europe. Founding Artistic Director of Alabama Shakespeare Festival, his West End productions include "Lend Me A Tenor: The Musical." A Carnegie Mellon graduate.
Sabrina Morabito
AEA Stage Manager
AEA Stage Manager Sabrina Morabito has worked with leading Off-Broadway companies. She is Co-Producer and Stage Manager for the immersive AI experience "TheWaitingroomNYC," which received stellar reviews at Edinburgh Fringe 2023, bringing her expertise to "The Eve of Beltane".
Our Esteemed Producers
Mary Ellen Ashley
Producer
Mary Ellen Ashley is a distinguished actress, singer, dancer, and producer with a career spanning Broadway (The Innocent Voyage, Yentl), TV (Law & Order), and film (The Producers). She has produced 11 Broadway/Off-Broadway shows, including 'Angels in America' and 'Godspell', bringing invaluable experience to "The Eve of Beltane".
Corey Brunish
Producer
Corey Brunish has garnered 10 Tony Nominations, winning three Tonys as a Broadway producer (Come From Away, Beautiful, Company). An actor, director, singer, and writer, his musical "My Marcello" was selected for England’s BEAM Festival. He lends his acclaimed expertise to "The Eve of Beltane".
Jon Hayden
Producer
Jon Hayden (BFA Carnegie Mellon, VP SAG-AFTRA Off-Broadway) has extensive theatre credits including tours with 'Fiddler on the Roof' and 'Annie.' He's appeared in productions at Springer Opera House and La Mama, ETC, with film/TV roles in 'Law and Order,' 'Zelig,' and 'Ghostbusters,' supporting "The Eve of Beltane".
John Melo
Producer
John Melo's division has 25+ years in film (Weinstein Co., New Line). Since 1976, they've marketed Broadway (original 'Dream Girls') and now assist in developing/funding new theatre and film projects, including "The Eve of Beltane".
Alison Savitch
Producer
Alison Savitch, a groundbreaking Film/TV Producer and Hollywood's first female VFX Supervisor, has worked with James Cameron and Steven Spielberg. Former Chair of Producers Guild New Media Council and bestselling author, she supports "The Eve of Beltane".
Mary Tierney
Producer
Mary Tierney acted at Ireland’s National Theater. In NY, she directed at Irish Arts Center and created The Quaigh's Lunchtime Series (O’Neil, Beckett). AEA member via Pownall’s 'Livingston & Sechele', she brings her artistic producing skills to "The Eve of Beltane".
Meet The Talented Cast
Paul Eisemann
as Derry O'Leary
A ruthless politician and long-time widow with his only child, Jen, his prized possession. Derry is a staunch Irish Catholic conservative serving the Fianna Fail (Republican party). Derry’s position is now under scrutiny for political corruption.
Paul Eisemann studied at the Esper Studio and Actors Movement Studio. He recently appeared as King Kreon in 'Antigone' at The Open Eye Theater and is honored to portray Derry O'Leary in "The Eve of Beltane".
Jennifer Brett
as Jenny O'Leary
Jennifer Brett joins "The Eve of Beltane" as Jenny O'Leary. Her credits include 'Million Dollar Quartet' (Saugatuck), 'Fiddler on the Roof' (Gateway Playhouse), and 'Elf: The Musical' (Fireside Theatre). She has also toured internationally with the girl group Unique3.
Patricia Van Tassel
as Bridget O’Leary
Patricia Van Tassel is an independent artist, writer, and performer. Her stage credits include the Off-Broadway tour of 'Finnegan's Farewell' and regional one-woman shows 'Shirley Valentine' and 'The Belle of Amherst'. She brings depth to Bridget O’Leary in "The Eve of Beltane".
Corey Brunish
as Kelson O’Leary
Tony Award-winning producer Corey Brunish also takes the stage as Kelson O’Leary in "The Eve of Beltane". An accomplished actor, director, and singer, his versatility shines in this role, drawing from his extensive Broadway and theatrical background.
Paul Sheehan
as Liam Colley
Derry’s aide and campaign manager. An anonymous back-bencher displaying enormous ambition. Has a jealous eye for Jenny but proclaims his bachelor status is more advantageous for his climbing political career.
Internationally experienced actor in film and theatre (Ireland, UK, USA, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Spain), always looking for a new challenge in terms of story and character Paul also loves to experience new culture and ideologies through his work, while telling stories that engage and entertain. He has been blessed thus far to work with many talented and diverse creatives and is driven to collaborate with people who passionately feel the need to share their tales with others. Recent projects include Four Assassins, Supercapitalist, The Job and Ivan. Onstage, Paul recently made his Off-Broadway debut in My Big Gay italian Midlife Crisis.
James Scheider
as Johnny Aiden Miller
A Protestant, rebel poet from the poorer streets of London. On Semester at Sea at Notre Dame with an academic scholarship for his mastery of verse and his talent as a musician.
James Scheider (Johnny Aiden Miller) Broadway: Million Dollar Quartet (Jerry Lee Lewis U/S). Off-Broadway: Evening-1910 (George Spencer), Axis Theatre. 1st National Tour/Chicago: Million Dollar Quartet (Jerry Lee Lewis). Regional: Chasin’ Dem Blues: The Untold Story of Paramount Records (Professor), Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story (Jerry Lee Lewis/Dick Clark), Rock of Ages (Drew), Mary Poppins (Bert) The Cotton Patch Gospel ( Matthew), Jesus Christ Superstar (Simon), 42nd St. (Billy Lawlor), 7 Brides for 7 Brothers (Joel). James toured world-wide with the USO Show and is a founding member and frontman of the folk rock band, The Ol’ So & So’s. Proud AEA member since 2008. JamesScheider.com
Praise for "The Eve of Beltane"
"The Eve of Beltane is haunting, it is archetypal; at the same time, it is here and now. Beautiful and poetic, but real and salt of the earth."
— Nellie O'Brien, C Communications, NY
"My favorite aspect of the play (The Eve of Beltane) was the seamless parallel and blending between the past and the present…"
— Christy Donahue, Hartford Stage Studio
"Magic, rebirth, renewal and Celtic charm are infused into this thoughtful play, Eve of Beltane. Told through characters with a complex history, we are reminded that each moment is an eternity and love is the most powerful force of all."
— Casey McDougal, Director UCONN
Get Involved: Contact & Support "The Eve of Beltane"
We look forward to hearing from you about this exhilarating new theatrical production and how you might become involved. Our producers are currently working on budget and investor opportunities for "The Eve of Beltane" and can provide them upon request.
If you have questions, comments, or wish to support this metaphysical fantasy play, please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information and details.
Byron C. Saunders
Associate Producer, The Eve of Beltane
New York, NY
Phone: 646-354-8216
Support Our Production on GoFundMe
Your contribution helps bring this magical story of Celtic lore and reincarnated love to life on stage. Every bit of support for "The Eve of Beltane" is deeply appreciated.