Theater Review

Tom Titus

Each culture, it seems, is distinguished to an extent that borders on

stereotype -- French cuisine, Swiss precision, Japanese technology. What

the Irish have contributed most notably through the generations is

dramatic literature.

South Coast Repertory has been this area’s primary showcase for plays

by authors from the Emerald Isle, from George Bernard Shaw (10

productions) through contemporaries like Brian Friel (“Dancing at

Lughnasa”). To this list now must be added the name of Martin McDonagh.

McDonagh, only in his mid-20s, already has an impressive body of work

to his credit, including the compelling play currently on SCR’s Second

Stage, “The Beauty Queen of Leenane.” Even more impressive is how a male

playwright of his tender years could create such an arresting story of a

woman in her 70s and her frustrated daughter, a 40-year-old spinster.

The relationship between these two, intensified by director Andrew J.

Robinson, is fraught with hostility and resentment. The daughter,

Maureen, who hasn’t been with a man in ages, is reduced to the role of a

servant by her surly, contrary mother, Mag, with hardly any relief in

sight.

Relief, welcome relief, comes in the form of a handsome former

neighbor, returning to say goodbye to friends and family before setting

off to America. But can Maureen cut the cord and escape her servitude

without taking drastic measures?

As the browbeaten daughter, Heather Ehlers delivers a brilliant

performance, nuanced with the shadings of her conflicting emotions. Her

antagonistic attitude toward her mother is harsh yet tinted with humor,

and she transforms herself effortlessly from haggard lackey to

provocative charmer.

Ann Gee Byrd as the crotchety mother has less dimension in her

character, but her portrayal of the insufferable old biddy is equally

mesmerizing. Byrd is particularly effective in bringing her audience in

almost as consultants to her duplicity.

The strapping neighbor, Pato, who cautiously charms Maureen, is done

with rich authentic flavor by Tim Murphy, and well it should be since

Murphy is a native Irishman with extensive experience in the Irish

theater. Murphy treads lightly into the romance but brings a heartfelt

dimension of honesty.

The play’s fourth character, Pato’s brother Ray, is a petulant kid who

serves as a general irritant. Rob King makes this role a strong

comic-relief device, especially when called upon to express impatience.

Set designer Michael Devine -- a veteran of the early days of SCR on

the Newport Beach waterfront -- has created a beautifully detailed

picture of rural squalor highlighted by clouds overhead. The radio

broadcasts, which add an authentic touch, are well chosen by Justus

Matthews.

McDonagh has incorporated myriad elements of background, including the

increasingly crucial issue of Maureen’s mental state, into his

well-structured tale, which balances its vitriol with generous patches of

humor.

Director Robinson brings the two women into frightening focus as their

story plays out to a startling climax when Maureen finally gets her Irish

up.

“The Beauty Queen of Leenane” demonstrates that even the younger Irish

playwrights have a firm grasp on their country’s theatrical heritage. And

South Coast Repertory retains its equally firm grasp on Irish theater.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews appear

Thursdays and Saturdays.

CUTLINE: Scantily clad Heather Ehlers charms Tim Murphy as her

character’s mother (Ann Gee Byrd) grimaces in “The Beauty Queen of

Leenane” on the Second Stage of South Coast Repertory.

WHAT: “The Beauty Queen of Leenane”

WHERE: South Coast Repertory’s Second Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa

Mesa

WHEN: Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:45 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2

and 7:45 through April 9

HOW MUCH: $26-$45

PHONE: (714) 708-5555