THE HANGOVER REPORT – Carey Mulligan’s extraordinary performance lifts Dennis Kelly’s GIRLS AND BOYS to the realm of Greek tragedy

Carey Mulligan in the Royal Court production of Dennis Kelly's "Girls and Boys" at the Minetta Lane Theatre.

Carey Mulligan in the Royal Court production of Dennis Kelly’s “Girls and Boys” at the Minetta Lane Theatre.

This week, the Royal Court production of Girls and Boys by Dennis Kelly opened at Off-Broadway’s Minetta Lane Theatre. The primary reason for the transfer is to give those of us on this side of pond the chance to witness Carey Mulligan’s extraordinary performance. It’s one of those turns that is so penetrating that it seems etched by real life. And real life in the case of the circumstances housed within Mr. Kelly’s play is utterly devastating (no spoilers here).

I forgot to mention that Girls and Boys is a solo show, and Ms. Mulligan slyly commands the Minetta Lane stage with an expertly calibrated performance that takes its time, thoughtfully unfolding new dimensions in plot and character. Kudos also to director Lindsey Turner for a stylish production that understands the slow-burning, slow-reveal nature of the the play; her understated staging is gripping stuff.

Even when Mr. Kelly’s play veers towards the somewhat manipulative, Ms. Mulligan’s layered, nuanced performance grounds the play in aching reality. In her hands, Girls and Boys is as potent and shattering as any performance of Greek tragedy I’ve seen. Don’t miss this chance to see a superstar of the stage and screen at the very top of her game.

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GIRLS AND BOYS
Off-Broadway, Play
Minetta Lane Theatre
1 hour, 45 minutes (without an intermission)
Through July 22

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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