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Writing for Us
A CurtainUp Review
Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer
By Julia Furay
| Can you imagine standing where no one had stood before? ---Tom Crean |
Aidan Dooley as Tom Crean
|
Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer is an old-fashioned, swashbuckling adventure about the Antarctic in the early 20th century, which is now dubbed the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Crean took part in two of that era's most famous expeditions: Terra Nova and Endurance, each of which is given its own act. Since Crean never kept a diary, the play serves as the memoir he never wrote himself.
Tom Crean is more of a storytelling than a theatrical experience so it's a good thing that Dooley is such an appealing tale-teller. The show's educational rootsas a 15-minute Living Exhibit at London's Maritime History Museum have left their mark on the play. As Dooley details and demonstrates what exactly it was like as an Antarctic explorer, one begins to get the sense of being at an interactive museum exhibit.
When Dooley segues into Crean's actual adventures, however, the story becomes incredibly involving and exciting. Crean served under two of the more charismatic explorers of the day, and brought incredible stories from both experiences. The first act is about the tragic Terra Nova expedition in which Captain Robert Scott lost his life in a futile attempt to be the first to the South Pole. Tom Crean was sent back to base camp when were only 150 miles left to go, but his journey was was nearly as deadly as his commander's.
The second act brings an even livelier tale: Irish explorer Ernest Shackleton's disastrous attempt to traverse Antarctica itself. He and Crean ended up slogging through 800 miles of icy waters in a life raft and hiking through the glaciers of South Georgia to reach civilization.
This play is so unapologetically dependent on its storyteller that there's no credit for a director, set or costume designer. All of the credit (and all of the blame) here is to go to Aidan Dooley. Thankfully, Dooley has relied on his strengths as a storyteller and actor. He gives us a fascinating history lesson that brings the dangers and glories of another era to life.
| TOM CREAN: ANTARCTIC EXPLORER
Playwright: Aidan Dooley Managing Director: Patrick A. Kelsey Cast: Aidan Dooley (Tom Crean) Lighting Design: Brian Nason Running time: 2 hours, includes one intermission Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 West 22nd Street, (212) 727-2737 www.irishrepertorytheatre.com From 7/17/07 to 9/9/07; opens 7/22/07 Tues to Sat @ 8pm, Sat and Sun @ 3pm Tickets: $60 and $55 Reviewed Julia Furay based on July 22 performance. |
Try onlineseats.com for great seats to
Wicked
Jersey Boys
The Little Mermaid
Lion King
Shrek The Musical
Easy-on-the budget super gift for yourself and your musical loving friends. Tons of gorgeous pictures.
Leonard Maltin's 2007 Movie Guide
At This Theater
Leonard Maltin's 2005 Movie Guide
>
Wicked
Jersey Boys
The Little Mermaid
Lion King
Shrek The Musical
Easy-on-the budget super gift for yourself and your musical loving friends. Tons of gorgeous pictures.
Leonard Maltin's 2007 Movie Guide
At This Theater
Leonard Maltin's 2005 Movie Guide
>