Go Gaelic at Everyman Theatre

I hate the term "Black" comedy. So I won't use it. But how about "Emerald Green" comedy? For me that fits the Everyman Theater production of the funny, touching, moving, wonderful play, "The Cripple Of Inishmaan" by acclaimed Irish playwright, Martin McDonagh.

For those who have never been to Ireland or have never had the pleasure to attend a play at the acclaimed Abbey Theater, this IS the next best thing. My advice...try dinner at one of the many wonderful Irish pubs that have recently opened in Baltimore...i.e. Maggie Moore's, Tir na Nog, An Poitin Stil, the Claddaugh Pub, J. Patrick's Irish Pub, James Joyce Irish Pub, Jimmy O'Donnell's, Mick O'Shea's, Ryan's Daughter, Shamrock Inn, etc...grab a pint of Guiness or Harp (I prefer Harp), and then head over to the Everyman Theatre for an early St. Patrick's Day celebration of wonderful theater. You will not be disappointed.

McDonagh has become a "hot" playwright due to the overwhelming success of his most recent Broadway rendition of "The Pillowman" which starred Jeff Goldblume and ofcourse his Tony winning "The Beauty Queen of Leenane".

According to Artistic Director Vincent M Lancisi (who was full of smiles on opening night and why not), "McDonagh is one of only a few brilliant comic playwrights writing for the theatre today. His comedy is of a unique brand. Using quick turns of phrases and laughter through violence, he fascinates audiences, makes them laugh, and shocks them with unexpected plot twists all along the way."

Director Donald Hicken (known not only for his directoral prowress but for his being the Department Head of Theater at the Baltimore School for the Arts since 1979) has assembled a stellar cast.and the beautiful celtic music used helps with the atmosphere. Wil Love ...yes, THAT Wil Love who appeared in over 30 Center Stage productions makes his first ever appearance at the Everyman. Who can forget his miraculous "roles" in the "Mystery of Irma Vep". And here's hoping he returns real soon to the Everyman.

Love's character is, get this name, Johnnypateenmike. Yes, Johnnypateenmike.Try getting that name past spell check. Well Johnny (for short), spreads "news" on this small Aran island off the west coast of 1934 Ireland acquiring groceries as payment of his services. He attempts to kill his elderly mother (Vivienne Shub, the dame of Baltimore theater). Love IS hysterical.

"Cripple Billy" (James Flanagan), who does not like to be called "Cripple Billy", is a disabled orphan teenager who is raised by  nervous "aunts" Kate and Eileen (played by Helen Hedman and Rosemary Knower). He spends his days on the deserted island looking at cows and pining for Helen (Megan Anderson), a sexy, sensuous, foul-mothed, violent beauty. Who wouldn't? She's tough but cannot be resisted. Anderson flings her body and head all over the stage continually. Is she an authentic Irish lass or is she really from Baltimore who attended the Carver Center for the Arts and Technology? 

Sometimes I felt the Everyman could have used "sur titles" like you see at the Opera. The accents of the actors are so true. Credit goes to dialect coach, Nancy Krebs. You may miss some lines...but you'll get the idea. Some Irish terms you'll hear (and are defined in the program) are bollocks, biteen, mingy, fecking, and eejit.

I thoroughly enjoyed this production. I even have a pet name for it..."The Eggman Cometh". You'll have to see it to understand.

"The Cripple of Inishmaan" continues until February 26 at the Everyman Theatre, 1727 N. Charles St. For tickets, call 410-752-2208 or go to www.everymantheatre.org.

 

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