In “Hail Mary, None of the Grace”, Mary Kennedy, yes one of those Kennedys, third cousins twice removed; all of the tragedy none of the money, lays her mother to rest and learns to how to live her life. Fringe Review’s Dr.Pants interviews Kennedy ahead of her show to find out if there really is any grace left. You can catch the show October 22nd – November 1st during Colchester Fringe.
NAP: Hello Mary, what a blessed day. But which Mary are you? Mother Mary? Mary Lincoln? Or a whole other third Mary? What is your show about, Mary?
MK: Mary Kennedy (Shameless, Shameless Hall of Shame), yes one of those Kennedys, third cousins twice removed; all of the tragedy, none of the money, stars in Hail Mary, None of the Grace . No Irish Catholic story is complete without a mention of a good Irish funeral! Join Mary as she lays her mother to rest. Through her mother’s dying, Mary learned how to live. Hail Mary, None of the Grace is a rollercoaster of awakenings for Kennedy, which has created the woman she is today.
NAP: So this is all a true story?
MK: Yes, all of it and I am a real Kennedy.
NAP: The show is primarily about dealing with grief, particularly the passing of your mother whom you had a close relationship with. Can you tell us how she inspired some of the work in the show?
MK: My mom had a wedding band in the 80’s when I was a teenager. It was a band consisting of all women, going through Mid Life at the same time, called the Mood Swings. My mom’s dream was to tour the world. Well, I have a picture of my mom in my show on an easel. Even though my mom passed 10 years ago, I feel like I am bringing her on tour with me. She has been to Ed Fringe, San Diego Fringe, NYC, Massachusetts, Mexico and now Colchester Fringe. I bring her to life, every time I do the show.
NAP: Now funerals are not everyone’s cup of tea, and as it appears, you are one of many comedy funerals at this year’s fringe. Seems to be one of the unofficial trends this year, haha. How would you convince me to see your show over the other fringe shows on, or even other comedy funeral shows?
I would convince you to go to my show, with some good old Irish Catholic Guilt.
NAP: You’ve toured this all over. What has been the biggest challenge in performing your work?
MK: My script. Originally, it was much longer and then I had to cut when I started touring specifically when I did Edinburgh Fringe. I am so glad I had to cut it, because I really feel it is the perfect length and tells a much more succinct story.
NAP: Why did you decide to grace Colchester Fringe with your show? What makes Colchester Fringe unique?
MK: It was on my bucket list. I thought it was really cool, that they decided to create a Fringe for everyone. I like that it promotes underrepresented voices, including LGBTQ+, global majority and handicapable people. I am a mom of a trans young adult and it makes me feel good to know that there are Fringe Festivals like this, that are for all. I am proud to be performing as part of the programme.
NAP: You have written and toured this show throughout the US and now bring it abroad. Do you find people’s understanding of “Hail Mary, None of the Grace” change when you are out of the US?
MK: Yes and no. I think family issues are universal. I did find touring this though, that some things that the US audiences think are funny, may not land the same out of the US. It just lands differently. It isn’t a bad thing, but I realize that people’s perceptions can be ever changing. That makes performing exciting and I am always learning.
NAP: And how are you hopeful audiences leave your funeral? Blessed? Sad? Enlighted?
MK: I am a trauma survivor, I hope I can help one person know that can be light in their life. I use humor in my piece in conjunction with the drama, to convey a piece, that I have been told from audiences is “healing, funny and inspirational”.
“Hail Mary, None of the Grace” is on Thursday, October 22, 8:30pm, Sunday, October 25, 7:30pm, Monday, October 26, 8:30pm, and Sunday, November 1, 7:30pm during Colchester Fringe. While you’re here, bless yourself with the knowledge of other holy shows happening during the fringe including the holy quest for Camelot, our blessed father Elvis, or be a sinner and dareth to enter hell with Fringe Review’s Dr.Pants and his DARK ROOM.
