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Writing for Us
A CurtainUp Review
The Irish and How They Got That Way
By David Lohrey
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In the beginning was the word. . . and the Irish got it The Irish didn’t like two kinds of American people: blacks and whites. |
The Irish… delivers what it promises, offering stirring blarney and a lot of hokum. The narration offered ties the songs together, while serving as a reminder of the injustices, humiliations, and privations suffered by the Irish people both in Ireland and here in their new neighborhoods in America. The narrative, though occasionally grim, is always laced with humor. Just when you think you are about to cry, the ensemble breaks once again into song, thus saving one the indignity of having to beg for a tissue. Part of the appeal is the consistently entertaining cast. All pull their weight, offering narrative explanations, a quick limerick, or a song and a dance step, always performed with wit and style. Ciaran Sheehan stood out, though, with his beautiful voice.
A well-designed slide show projected on upstage screens was used effectively to illustrate Irish history from the potato famine to such recent milestones as the election of John F. Kennedy. The only drawback is the space itself and the direction by Charlotte Moore. The configuration of the stage is such that two sides of the nearly square stage face a divided auditorium. A large column stands on the downstage right corner, no doubt providing necessary support to the ceiling. Given this arrangement, Ms Moore would do well to direct her cast to play to both sides of the house. Instead she has them – even at curtain call – play directly and exclusively to one side. Had I been in the ignored portion of the seating, I would have walked out. But then maybe the music and the occasional nod in my direction would have held me there even had I been unfortunate enough to be seated in that part of the theater.
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The Irish. . . and how they got that way
Written by Frank McCourt Directed by Charlotte Moore Musical Direction: Rusty Magee and Mark Hartman Cast: Peter Cormican, Terry Donnelly, Bob Green, Donna Kane, Mark Hartman, Ciaran Sheehan Choreographer: Alexia Hess Sheehan Set Design: Shawn Lewis Costume Design: David Toser Lighting Design: Daniel Walker Sound Design: Murmod, Inc. Running Time: 2 hours, including one intermission Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 W. 22nd St. (6th/7th)727-2737 Tuesday - Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. -- $35 and $40 Return engagement (the 4th!) 8/28/01-9/23/01 Reviewed by David Lohrey based on 9/09 performance |
