Up a steep and very narrow stairway: the Merchant’s House Museum walking tour includes a visit to the fourth floor (Irish) servants’ quarters.
BY SCOTT STIFFLER | A TRIBUTE TO THE TREDWELLS’ IRISH SERVANTS at MERCHANT’S HOUSE MUSEUM
For a place that’s been living in the past since before most of us were born, Merchant’s House Museum has a knack for appealing to contemporary tastes. So whether you’re suffering from “Downton Abbey” season five withdrawal or just looking for one of the city’s most unique Irish experiences, this pristinely preserved 1865-era home has an event custom-made for your tastes.
On March 13 at 6:30 p.m., their “Spirit of the Irish Candlelight Ghost Tour” confronts facts, rumors and speculation surrounding the dwelling’s well-earned reputation as “Manhattan’s most haunted house.” Carefully documented by staff and frequently investigated by the Sturges Paranormal team, you’ll hear true tales of inexplicable occurrences from those who actually experienced them. Some of the most compelling incidents have been attributed to the Tredwell family’s all-Irish staff (four at any given time), and this special tour will include a visit to their quarters. $25 ($15 for museum members). Can’t make it that night? Upcoming Ghost Tours happen Fri., April 17, May 15 and June 17.
Shades of “Downton” — like the fictional British estate, there was a cook toiling away in the lower level of Merchant’s House, a bell system to alert the staff of upstairs needs and servants working day and night behind the scenes. “In the Footsteps of Bridget Murphy” gives participants a rare and detailed glimpse into the daily duties of the Irish servants who were an indispensible part of life in the Tredwell home. This 45-minute walking tour of the surrounding neighborhood explores the world of the immigrants who worked as domestic servants for the wealthy families of the Bond Street area. What did they do on their day off? Where did they shop? How did they find employment when they first arrived? You’ll find out, then proceed back to Merchant’s House for a special tour of the fourth floor servants’ quarters. Sun., March 15. The walking tour begins at 12:30 p.m., house tour at 2 p.m. Participation in this event is included with regular admission. Reservations not required.
Merchant’s House Museum is located at 29 E. Fourth St. (btw. Bowery & Lafayette). For event reservations, visit merchantshouse.org/calendar or call 212-777-1089. Regular Hours: Thurs.–Mon., 12–5 p.m. Admission is $10, $5 for students/seniors (free for children under 12).
A scene from Hugh Leonard’s “Da,” at the Irish Repertory Theatre through April 5.
THE IRISH REPETORY THEATER presents “DA”
The latest from Chelsea’s venerable Irish Repertory Theatre — currently ensconced in Union Square’s DR2 Theatre while their W. 22nd St. venue is being renovated — has a theme that speaks to the company’s own inevitable homecoming. Helmed by IRT’s artistic director, Charlotte Moore, “Da” is Hugh Leonard’s melancholy, heart-wrenching and occasionally hilarious memory play. Set in 1960s Dublin, Charlie visits his childhood home after attending his father’s funeral — only to find the patriarch’s ghost in wait, and unwilling to leave the house.
“Da” is followed by the fourth production of IRT’s 27th season (April 15–June 7). Claudia Weill directs the New York premiere of a play developed as part of their 2013 Reading Series. Written by Nate Rufus Edelman, “The Belle of Belfast” takes place in 1985, as fiery and profane Anne Malloy commiserates with her best mate while seeking fleshly comfort from her parish priest. “A wry and bittersweet portrait of a city at war,” the IRT promises, which “forces us to consider what is wrong and what is righteous.”
“Da” plays through April 5. Tues. & Thurs. at 7 p.m. Wed. & Sat. at 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. Fri. at 8 p.m. Sun. at 3 p.m. At the DR2 Theatre (103 E. 15th St. in Union Square). Tickets: $70. Call 212-727-2737 or visit irishrep.org.
