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
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