In September, John McDonagh will bring “Off the Meter, On the Record,” his one-man play, to the Greek Cultural Center in Astoria. The play is in its fifth year on stage.
McDonagh was born and raised in Middle Village and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. Afterward, he spent 40 years as a taxi driver in New York City before venturing into playwriting, comedy and political activism. McDonagh is the current producer and host of Radio Free Eireann and Talk Mac, We and Thee with Malachy McCourt and Corey Kilgannon, two weekly radio shows heard on Pacifica station WBAI, New York.
McDonagh’s experience as a taxi driver had a profound impact on him. “Off the Meter, On the Record” was written by him and features a combination of comedy and social commentary told through creative storytelling. The play is directed by Ciarán O’Reilly and presents 40 years of NYC history from the perspective of a cab driver. It also includes McDonagh’s interactions with eccentric characters and brushes with celebrities.
The show has garnered praise from The New Yorker, The New York Times and Variety.
There will be three shows:
- Friday, Sept. 23, 8 to 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 24, 8 to 9:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 25, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased here.
John McDonagh will also bring the play to Ireland after the show in Astoria.
