Show Pony Tagline reading Whose Dream Is It Anyway?

Written & Performed by

Irene Molloy

Directed By

Padraic Lillis

ABOUT THE SHOW

90s TV.
Broadway flops.
Motherhood.
And breaking the silence to come back.

Before she was a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and mother, Irene Molloy was navigating the glittering, complex machinery of show business.

She went from starring in late 90s cult-classic sitcoms (Grosse Pointe, Andy Richter Controls the Universe) to the heartbreaking reality of starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Whistle Down the Wind, only to have it close before reaching Broadway.

Premiering at the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival, Show Pony is an original solo show written and performed by a woman standing on the other side of her own story.

Blending original music with sharp storytelling, Molloy unpacks a childhood where she realized she had to hit her marks just to matter to her mother.

But how does becoming a mother to her own daughter, Nia, reshape that narrative?

Show Pony is a funny, moving exploration of breaking cycles, letting your child forge their own path, and ultimately keeping a promise to yourself to sing again once the nest is empty.

NEXT PERFORMANCE

Thursday, March 19
06:00 pm
Friday, March 20
07:00 pm
Saturday, March 21
04:00 pm
Wednesday, May 14
06:15 pm
Friday, May 16
09:20 pm
Saturday, May 17
10:35 pm
Monday, May 19
06:05 pm
Wednesday, May 21
12:15 am
Friday, May 23
08:10 pm
Saturday, May 24
05:55 pm

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 19
06:00 pm
Friday, March 20
07:00 pm
Saturday, March 21
04:00 pm

PERFORMANCE LOCATION

pittsburg fringe logo in white

Frechard Gallery
5005 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Tickets & Fringe Buttons:

You can save $3 on your ticket if you also purchase 2026 Pittsburgh Fringe Button.

 
Parking:

There is free street parking on Penn Ave after 6pm Monday-Saturday. Sunday is free all day! Many of the residential streets around the area have 1 hour metered parking between 7am-7pm Monday through Saturday.

IN THE PRESS

ABOUT THE ARTIST

About Irene Molloy  (Performer / Writer):
Irene Molloy is a dynamic performer originally from the Philadelphia area. Her professional journey began at a young age when she secured a lead role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ill-fated musical production of Whistle Down the Wind. Molloy relocated to New York City to further pursue her dreams. There she received praise for her work on Broadway as Sarah McEwen in The Civil War and as Juliet in a musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, marking her as one of the rising stars of her generation. 

Molloy relocated to Hollywood where her television career took off with the memorable portrayal of Hunter in the series, Grosse Pointe, created by Darren Star of Beverly Hills 90210 and Sex and the City fame. She followed this with another notable role as Wendy in the critically lauded, though short-lived, comedy Andy Richter Controls the Universe, showcasing her versatility across different comedic styles.

Beyond her acting credits, Molloy is an accomplished and passionate songwriter. She has independently released two EPs featuring her original music, adding the title of recording artist to her professional achievements. Her dedication to the stage remains evident, as she returned to the Off-Broadway circuit to star as Molly in the acclaimed musical 10 Million Miles. Molloy’s career is a testament to her talent, drive, and ability to thrive across various media platforms. 

 

About Padraic Lillis (Director):
Padraic is the Founding Artistic Director of The Farm Theater. He is an award winning director and playwright. He has worked at all levels of our industry. Padraic has dedicated the last twenty years to the development of new work.  He has premiered plays Off-Broadway, Regionally, and The Library of Congress.

He writes for theater, film, and audio scripts. His scripts have been produced internationally. He is published with Dramatists Play Services.

As an educator he co-designed Labyrinth Theater Company’s education program, taught with NYU’s Department of Dramatic Writing, was the Humana Visiting Scholar at Centre College, and the Dayton Hudson Distinguished Artist at Carleton College. He also teaches play development thru The Farm Theater. 

​Padraic is the host of The Farm Theater’s Bullpen Sessions podcast. He is a member of the Labyrinth Theater Company and a lifelong Yankee fan.

REVIEW THE SHOW!

Recent Reviews

A beautiful and bittersweet ride

Monday, March 23

I arrived a few minutes late to Show Pony, but while searching for a seat in the sold-out room, I was immediately pulled in by Irene’s presence on stage. She embodied many people from her life story, and I felt like I was both witnessing her and living alongside her.

Her journey is astounding and deeply relatable for anyone who’s ever felt the world has been hard on them. Her singing voice is powerful, and even without music, she’s breathtaking.

I highly recommend this show, especially now as it marks the next chapter of her journey. I can’t wait to see what she brings next.

Trisha Swindell

Loved it!

Monday, March 23

Molloy is an amazing performer. The show was both hilarious and meaningful. Her voice is beautiful. Well worth it to attend!

Bryna

Powerful

Sunday, March 22

Irene Molloy’s Show Pony, is a masterclass in emotional brutality laid bare for the audience to absorb. Through this backdrop Molloy shares her personal journey, at times heartbreaking, mapping the scars of years of being a prop not a person. The show, however, is not a bitter recounting of events; it is a witness to personal growth. Molloy, establishes what it means to be present… in the moment with her greatest achievement of motherhood. Ending with a realization that her talent is hers, her voice is hers, and her narrative is hers to write. Breaking free from a cage without bars to be… Irene the person.

Thoroughly enjoyed the evening!

Jeff

Loved the story and the music

Thursday, March 19

I was lucky enough to see a “work in progress” performance when Irene was creating the show. It was so good even in the early form.

Brian

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