Duddy Returns To The Ring

The recently retired middleweight contender puts on the gloves one more time as the lead in the one-act Off Broadway play, “Kid Shamrock”

For Immediate Release: Ireland's John Duddy makes his theatrical debut next month in the title role of the one-act play, “Kid Shamrock,” at the Atlantic Theater Company in Manhattan.

The play is written by boxing writer Bobby Cassidy Jr. and is based on the life and career of his father, former contender, “Irish” Bobby Cassidy. The play also stars former cruiserweight contender Seamus McDonagh, referee Wayne Kelly, Cassidy Sr., former New York Golden Gloves champion Gary Hope and Patrick Joseph Connolly. The piece is being directed by Dublin's Jimmy Smallhorne, whose debut feature film “2by4” won a cinematography award at the Sundance Film Festival.

In the play, Duddy will square off against actor Nick Roman, who portrays former world middleweight champion Rodrigo Valdes.

The play is an homage to the vibrant blue-collar tradition of Irish-American boxing. Performances will take place at the Atlantic Theater Company, 330, W16 Street, between 8th and 9th Aves from February 8th through February 13th. Seven performances only. Beginning on Tuesday, tickets can be booked online at www.ticketcentral.com or by calling 212-279-4200.

CAST

John Duddy — The recently retired middleweight contender begins his foray into acting, playing the role of young Kid Shamrock. Look for John later this season in the finale of the critically acclaimed, “Lights Out.” As an amateur boxer, John was a national champion with over 100 wins. In the pro ranks, he retired with a 29-2 record with 18 knockouts. Among his victims were former world champion Yuri Boy Campas and former European champ Howard Eastman.

Seamus McDonagh — Former New York Golden Gloves champion and graduate of St. John's University. Seamus was ranked No. 3 in the world as a cruiserweight and in 1990 he fought Evander Holyfield. Among his acting credits include, “2by4,” “Whatever Happened to Rocky Sullivan?,” and the Off-Broadway production, “Bobby Sands' M.P.”

Patrick Joseph Connolly — His film credits include, “Gardener of Eden,” which premiered at The TriBeCa Film Festival and was directed by Kevin Connolly and produced byLeonardo DiCaprio. He also appeared in the final scene of the final episode of the HBO hit series, “The Sopranos.” His theater roles include, “Prisoner of Second Avenue,” and “A Letter from Ethyl Kennedy.” He is a former Golden Goves winner.

Irish Bobby Cassidy – A veteran of 79 pro fights and a top-10 contender in the junior middleweight, middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. He fought in both the current and old Madison Square Garden. He also trained two world champions — Lonnie Bradley and Donny Lalonde. He has appeared in four films, including the original “Rocky,” which won an Oscar for best picture in 1976.

Wayne Kelly – Referee who has officiated 50 world title fights. The Garden City resident turned pro in 1975 as a light heavyweight and campaigned for five years. He fought at the fabled Sunnyside Garden and Nassau Coliseum.

Director Jimmy Smallhorne is a native of Dublin Ireland and directed 2by4, a Sundance winner for cinematography. For the stage he has directed Away Alone, Once a Catholic, The Risen People and King Lear.

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