Jonathan Brielle’s romantic musical about the life and loves of James Joyce comes to St Petersburg for a 6 week run.
St. Petersburg, FL freeFall Theatre Artistic Director Eric Davis and Resident Musical Director Michael Raabe continue their mission of bringing under-appreciated musicals to Tampa Bay audiences. freeFall guests fondly remember past productions of John & Jen, The Burnt Part Boys, Road Show, and God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater. Much like freeFall’s sleeper hit with Kurt Vonnegut’s Rosewater, Davis and Raabe turn to the literary life of James Joyce and his muse, Nora Barnacle in the romantic and tuneful musical, Himself and Nora. Himself and Nora opens January 30 and runs through March 8, 2026.
About the Team
Himself and Nora stars Robert Teasdale (freeFall’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater) as celebrated author and poet James Joyce, while Katie Davis, in her freeFall debut, gives voice to Nora, whose influence on Joyce’s personal and artistic evolution cannot be overstated.
The production is supported by a powerhouse ensemble: Julia Rifino, Drew H. Wells, and Michael Gregory in his freeFall debut portraying key literary and familial figures including Ezra Pound, Sylvia Beach, Harriet Weaver, Giorgio & Lucia Joyce and many more.
Himself and Nora is directed and choreographed by Eric Davis with music direction by Michael Raabe. The set is designed by Hansen Scenic with lighting design by Trenten Szabo. Davis also designs the costumes and video elements. Michael Raabe plays piano for the show with a 5 piece band featuring the talents of Richard Jimenez (bass), David Tagliarini (reeds), Paul Stoddart (guitar) and Burt Rushing (percussion/drums). Melanie Downs (percussion/drums) and Josh Hollenbeck (reeds) sub in for select performances. The sound is engineered by Nathan Doyle.
About the Play
Himself and Nora is a romantic musical with book, music, and lyrics by Jonathan Brielle. It chronicles the turbulent, 37-year relationship between the legendary Irish writer James Joyce and his muse and eventual wife, Nora Barnacle. The score is described as a blend of traditional Irish melodies, lively jigs, and modern pop or musical theater ballads. Originally developed in 2005, the show premiered Off-Broadway in 2016 starring Matt Bogart and Whitney Bashor.
“a lively, sometimes lusty, spin through the love life, troubles and literary times of the great Irish writer.” – The New York Times
“Brielle has composed a score that blends traditional Irish melodies with modern pop. The result is spirited and evocative.” – theaterlife.com
“smart, lively and tuneful. an intimate production that will inspire audiences.” Huffington Post
freeFall Theatre brings Himself and Nora to the stage starting January 30 and closing March 8, 2026. The space is located at 6099 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at freefalltheatre.com or by calling 727-498-5205. All matinees at freeFall are at 2pm and all evening performances are at 7pm. Tickets are $55 ($25 for youth under 18 and for all seats to previews) or included with your $29/month subscription.
Located in West St Petersburg, freeFall Theatre Company is one of Tampa Bay’s most exciting professional theater companies. freeFall was founded in 2008 and moved into its current space at 6099 Central Avenue in 2011. freeFall presents a varied range of classical and new works that are bold, daring, and presented in ways that invite, entertain, and challenge audiences. All freeFall productions are produced and presented locally using acclaimed theater professionals from across the country including many that make Tampa Bay their artistic home. In addition to a full season of shows, freeFall also presents an award-winning series of cabarets, concerts, and special programming as part of their Tandem Series.
