THE HANGOVER REPORT – Noni Stapleton’s CHAROLAIS is twisted storytelling (a compliment)

Leave it to the Irish to elevate twisted storytelling into artful theater. Charolais, gleefully written and performed by

Noni Stapleton in "Charolais" at 59E59 Theaters

Noni Stapleton in “Charolais” at 59E59 Theaters

, is just that. It’s not surprising that the production currently running at 59E59 Theaters is courtesy of Fishamble, an Irish theater troupe focused on producing new works. Pat Kinevane’s Underneath, another solo show that celebrates the glories of darkly comic and offbeat storytelling – which I caught in New York a few seasons back – was also nurtured by Fishamble.

Ms. Stapleton, who must be reported is a dead ringer for the (literally) larger-than-life diva Bridget Everett,  is irrepressible as an unlikely trio of women: an Irish farmer’s lady love interest, his doting mother, and none other than his Charolais heifer. The three vie for his affection to surreal effect and escalating hilarity (and heart!). The production is efficiently directed by Bairbre Ní Chaoimh, who, together with Ms. Stapleton, does a good job of bringing out the text’s inherent sensuality and vitality.

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CHAROLAIS
Off-Broadway, Play
Fishamble at 59E59 Theaters
1 hour, 5 minutes (without an intermission)
Through September 24

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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