Brian Dennehy

Guthrie director Joe Dowling runs the biggest regional theater in the U.S., but Ireland is still close to his heart. In January, Dowling will open a production of John B. Keane's 1965 play, "The Field," in Dublin. The commercial production stars luminary actor Brian Dennehy, whose many accolades include two Tony Awards (for "Long Day's Journey Into Night" and "Death of a Salesman"). "Brian Dennehy did 'The Iceman Cometh' in Ireland a few years ago, but this is his first Irish role that he will perform in Ireland," Dowling said Wednesday. "It's an important play and I'm happy to be asked to do this revival." The drama centers on a well-known case of murder and mystery in the Irish countryside. A movie was made about the same subject. A commercial production, "Field" is being staged at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin before transferring to two other venues. Dowling goes to Ireland after directing "A Christmas Carol," which previews Friday.