Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Elaine Murphy’s lovely LITTLE GEM is held up by rich writing and a trio of strong performances

• By drediman
• July 31, 2019
• No Comments

Marsha Mason, Lauren O’Leary, and Brenda Meaney in Elaine Murphy’s “Little Gem” at the Irish Repertory Theatre. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

This past weekend, I caught the Off-Broadway production of Little Gem by Elaine Murphy. Ms. Murphy’s 2008 play was originally performed at the Dublin Fringe Festival to acclaim (it later transferred to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival). It received its New York premiere in 2010 at the Flea Theater, where it was similarly well-received. Now, the play – which tells story of three generations of Irish women as they navigate life’s challenges – is being revived by the excellent Irish Repertory Theatre in Chelsea.

Ms. Murphy’s lovely play is comprised essentially of three interweaving monologues – told from the “Roshamon”-like perspective of each of the aforementioned women – which only directly intersect towards the end of the piece. Despite its atypical structure, Little Gem is a richly satisfying play, which is a testament to the playwright’s winning way with words. Even if the play now seems a little dated (particularly in its depiction of women’s roles in relationships), it was a pleasure spending time with these three women, warts and all, thanks to the Ms. Murphy’s frank but often amusing observations.

Marc Atkinson Borrull’s Irish Rep production goes down easily, thanks to his smooth direction. As the three women, Marsha Mason (as the quirky matron), Brenda Meaney (as her disciplined daughter), and Lauren O’Leary (as the unruly granddaughter), are all in wonderful form, giving highly believable, distinct performances. Ms. Meaney, in particular, gives a grounded and affecting performance as a woman who’s almost given up on life but is given another shot at happiness.  Together, the trio of strong performances casts a favorable light on Ms. Murphy’s play.

RECOMMENDED

LITTLE GEM
Off-Broadway, Play
Irish Repertory Theatre
1 hour, 40 minutes (without an intermission)
Through September 1