THE HANGOVER REPORT – Irish Rep’s revival of Conor McPherson’s THE SEAFARER is thoroughly engrossing

The company of Conor McPherson's "The Seafarer" at the Irish Repertory Theatre.

The company of Conor McPherson’s “The Seafarer” at the Irish Repertory Theatre.

Tonight, the engrossing Off-Broadway production of Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer closes shop, after having enjoyed a sold out, extended run at the Irish Repertory Theatre. Luckily, I caught last night’s penultimate performance. Mr. McPherson is one of Ireland’s most cherished exports, and in my estimation, one of our very finest living playwrights. His plays (The Weir, Shining City, The Night Alive are some plays you might recognize) have typically celebrated the act of storytelling, specifically with respect to the murky intersection between the mundane and the supernatural.

The Seafarer follows this same mold. Taking place in Dublin in the recent past, the play is Mr. McPherson’s spin on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. It tells the story of Sharky, a quietly despondent man who – through an encounter with the other side – is quite literally challenged to fight for his soul (on Christmas Eve, of all nights). I don’t want to give too much away, but I so want to disclose that the play remains one of the Mr. McPherson’s most accessible, entertaining works.

I’ve seen three other productions of The Seafarer, including the original hit Broadway staging starring David Morse more than a decade ago and the excellent Steppenwolf Theatre production starring the late grate John Mahoney. The Irish Rep’s production, directed in rock solid fashion by Ciarán O’Reilly lives up to those memories. As Sharky, Andy Murray (originally played on Broadway by Mr. Morse) is quite convincing as the brooding blue collar bedrock of the play. As the supernatural visitor, film celebrity Matthew Broderick is giving one of his best stage performances in recent years – he’s chilling, calculated, and hauntingly not of this world. The cast is rounded out by superb turns from Colin McPhillamy, Michael Mellamphy, and Tim Ruddy. As an ensemble, this bunch is extraordinary, providing the play with several penetrating moments I’ll long remember.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

 

THE SEAFARER
Off-Broadway, Play
Irish Repertory Theatre
2 hours, 15 minutes (with one intermission)
Through May 24

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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