Most Peculiar Dreams is a bold, original Irish musical combining dark humor, emotional depth, and a unique perspective on the entertainment world.
The lights of 1950s New York flicker on the stage, and an unexpected story unfolds. Most Peculiar Dreams takes audiences into a world of ambition, fame, and betrayal through a unique, Irish-written narrative. Unlike typical musicals, it delivers an unflinching look at the darker sides of the entertainment industry, all while showcasing a powerful and original score.
From its humble beginnings in Ireland to its growing global recognition, Most Peculiar Dreams is now gearing up for a major step: an upcoming USA tour. This musical, which has already won over audiences in Ireland, aims to reach new international audiences with its compelling and authentic Irish voice.
A New Voice in Musical Theatre
At its core, Most Peculiar Dreams follows Shawn Donnelly Jr., a young Irish-American man chasing stardom in 1950s New York. His journey into the entertainment world leads him to a seedy nightclub run by the dangerous Bobby Collier, where he becomes entangled with Henrietta Harmon, the club’s star performer. Along the way, he grapples with power, manipulation, and identity, themes that resonate universally.
Written and composed by Fergus Foran, the musical features a unique narrative structure. Two Fate characters act as observers and influencers, providing an additional layer of depth and philosophical commentary on the story’s events. This narrative device, rarely used in musicals, allows Most Peculiar Dreams to blend realism, satire, and surrealism in a way that keeps the audience engaged on multiple levels. Foran reflects, “We set out to create a show that felt familiar…but only until it didn’t. Most Peculiar Dreams walks you into a world you think you know, and then pulls the rug out from under you.”
A Score That Tells the Story
One of the most compelling aspects of Most Peculiar Dreams is its music. The score doesn’t just accompany the plot — it is an essential part of the storytelling. From rousing ensemble numbers to emotionally charged ballads, the music shifts seamlessly between various styles, adding emotional weight to the narrative.
Foran notes, “These aren’t filler songs between scenes; the music is the story. We wrote numbers that entertain but also challenge, disarm, and hit emotionally when it counts.”
The show’s music has already garnered significant attention, with over 1 million soundtrack streams and 185,000+ video views. It’s a testament to the show’s powerful reach, which has extended well beyond the Irish borders.
Grassroots Success: Built by the Audience
What sets Most Peculiar Dreams apart from other productions is its grassroots development. Created over six years, the musical was shaped by more than 50 creatives and has steadily gained a loyal following. With no celebrity cast or outside funding, the show’s success has come from pure storytelling and organic audience support.
Having sold out performances in venues like The Helix in Dublin, Most Peculiar Dreams has proven itself with audiences before it even reaches the global stage. Foran explains, “This isn’t a standard formula. It’s a show that’s been built step by step, with audiences behind us from the start. It’s tested, it’s ready, and it’s got something to say.”
Expanding Horizons: A Global Ambition
As the production team turns its attention to a USA tour, Most Peculiar Dreams looks to connect with Irish-American communities and global audiences who can relate to its themes of ambition, power, and survival. The musical’s universal themes make it a perfect fit for international stages, and Foran is calling on potential investors and producing partners to help bring the show to a global audience.
“We’re not just touring a show — we’re inviting people to help bring something original, meaningful, and proudly Irish to international audiences,” Foran says.
Themes That Resonate
At its heart, Most Peculiar Dreams is about the cost of ambition, the pursuit of dreams, and the inevitable sacrifices that come with both. It’s a universal story about identity, family, and survival. Through its combination of raw emotional honesty and sharp, satirical commentary, the show speaks to people from all backgrounds, making it more than just a musical, it’s an exploration of the human experience.
The show’s bold, original approach challenges the typical musical theatre formula, offering a fresh perspective in a space often dominated by adaptations and recycled content.
Looking Ahead
As Most Peculiar Dreams prepares for its next chapter, the excitement surrounding its future continues to grow. With its emotionally charged music, original storyline, and grassroots success, the musical is ready to take its place on the international stage.
For more information about the upcoming USA tour, or to get involved with the show, visit the official website. Follow Most Peculiar Dreams on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes insights:
