According to Tip at the Firehouse

*2008 Independent Reviewers of New England Awards (IRNE) Award Winner: Best Play

*Previously performed at the Lyric Stage in Boston
Limited Engagement at the Firehouse!!

Thomas Phillip "Tip" O'Neill, Jr. (1912–1994) was an American politician. The outspoken liberal Democrat and influential member of the U.S. Congress, served in the House of Representatives for 34 years and represented two congressional districts in Massachusetts. He was the Speaker of the House from 1977 until his retirement in 1987, making him the second longest-serving Speaker in U.S. history after Sam Rayburn, and the longest consecutive-serving Speaker.

It is only proper that another Massachusetts legend Dick Flavin play the political titan who influenced government policy on the state, local and international levels for decades during the 20th century. Quincy native Flavin has made it his mission to keep the memory of the life and times of the beloved Bay-State politician alive and thriving. Flavin wrote According to Tip ten years ago but never imagined himself playing the role.

Longtime Boston political authority and veteran commentator Flavin has an insider’s perspective of Thomas P. “Tip” O'Neill, personally as well as professionally. According to Tip is filled with history, humor, and even a bit of music. Audiences go back in time with Tip from his life growing up in Cambridge where he entered local politics, to the Massachusetts State House, and eventually to the White House. For the play, Flavin drew from Tip’s own words, those of his colleagues, Congressional records and from researching many writings, including John A. Farrell’s biography. “Tip O’Neill was the most colorful political figure of his time, and one of the most significant. He crossed swords and lifted a glass with all the giants of the age; Reagan, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and more, “ says Flavin. He adds, “It was a challenge to write about, and [is] a challenge to portray, such a unique character. ”