Totally Dublin caught up with Annmarie Cullen, an Irish singer-songwriter, who found success as a songwriter for TV and film in LA where she lived for 20 years. She was also the co-lead singer for the popular indie band “Saucy Monky”. Her newest project, a one-woman musical, will be showcased at the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival this month.
Annmarie, can you tell me about your play?
Absolutely! “Remember That Time? A Musical” is a one-woman, 3-character, mixed-media play that takes the audience on a journey through the last 25 years of my life. It’s a retrospective tale where I share my experiences of leaving my life in LA for love in Barcelona, losing myself along the way, and eventually finding my way back to my true passion of music.
What can audiences expect from your play?
They can expect a wide range of emotions and (hopefully) a few laughs! The play combines narration, songs, and retrospective videos to tell my story. The play touches on real-life events while incorporating a little fiction.
Throughout the 60-minute performance, audiences will travel with me through Dublin, Los Angeles, and Barcelona, gaining insights into the highs and lows of my journey.
How do you incorporate music into the play?
Music is at the heart of the play. I use original songs written mainly by myself and also in collaboration with NaimeeColeman, Gearoid Farrelly, Mundy, and Emmy-nominated songwriter, Jeannie Lurie. These songs, along with the narrative, will hopefully create a rich and immersive experience for the audience.
Could you tell us about the characters in the play?
The play primarily revolves around me, but it also features two important characters played by my real-life friends, Gearoid Farrelly and Naimee Coleman. They appear via mocked -up Zoom calls: They provide both encouragement and tough love as I navigate my journey and rediscover my passion for music.
What inspired you to create this play?
My own life experiences inspired “Remember That Time? A Musical.” After spending 25 years away from my hometown of Dublin, I found myself at a crossroads, grappling with loss and the search for self-rediscovery. I wanted to share my journey with others who may be facing similar challenges in their lives.
How does the play reflect your personal journey as a musician?
I’ve been in bands since I was 14 years old. I’ve had the best of times and the worst of times pursuing a career in music. It gets complicated when your passion also pays your bills . The journey can wear you down sometimes. The play focuses on the joy it brings and reconnecting with that aspect of it.
What do you hope audiences will take away from your play?
I hope audiences will be inspired to reflect on their own journeys. It’s ultimately a celebration of the resilience and the power that we have inside of us… and a reminder to keep doing what lights you up.
Remember That Time – A Musical takes place at Outhouse as part of the Dublin International Gay Theatre Festival from May 13th to May 18th. Tickets here.
