If my reviews actually do something?, I hope that they will, at least... encourage readers to attend local theatre. Every live theatre performance is unique and holds some form of magic. Just go!
Gary Grossman's Skylight has been cooking one way or another for a long time and this guest production of Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley is an excellent example of how Broadway may come to Los Angeles. Director/Producer Matt Leavitt put the show up at the Matrix and got great attention. Now, here we are on Vermont. Please see this play!.
Kitty Swink!!.
A professional actor married to a professional actor Armin Shimerman. Both with credits a mile long. A good start.
Full disclosure.. I am an unabashed fan of Kitty Swink. Our first encounter was in a shoebox in NoHo with Daikin Matthews at the helm. Ladyhouse Blues. From that time to this, I have been a fan.
With this bias in mind, Mullingar is an acting challenge that brings to life feisty Irish farmers at odds. There may be a little too much shouting, but it's mostly appropriate as these characters have tough lives. Grief and other disappointments are abundant.
We open on a social event after a wake for Chris Muldoon! Feisty Tony Reilly (Armin Shimerman) is at once at odds with his slightly off kilter son, Anthony (Michael Kirby). Joined by the Widow Muldoon (Kitty Swink!) to banter and eventually get to the subject of the forty meter patch that rears its grassy head between their two farms.
Leavitt's direction steers the story from one kitchen to another with an elaborate and very impressive set by Mark Mendelson.
It's a love story with bristling spines and death. Shanley is a poet and as we wind our way to a respectable climax, the frustrations of the rebel Rosemary (Liza Seneca) boil and bubble.
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| Kitty Swink |
It's the Irish Countryside. The heavy mists of farm life permeate the scene. Aoife Muldoon's husband has just passed. She arrives at the Neighbor Reilly's farm where discussion of next steps for her and rebel daughter Rosemary (Liza Seneca) are discussed as they adjust. Old folks on their last laps.
The issue of the patch of land is on our minds throughout. It colors the connection between Anthony and Rosemary's odd "courtship" over the years.. Bickering is a way of life for all.
A beauty of an old folk song permeates the play, "Wild Mountain Thyme." The subtle tune sneaks in from time to time. Here's a random sample I found. The bodhran is the heart of Celtic music! The tune mirrors our story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uCDw30wCe0
Looks like the link might have to be copied and pasted? I like this version.
Thanks to the intimate space at The Skylight, nuance and well crafted brogues for each of our characters makes this production possibly right up there with Broadway. Is that a compliment? Good show.
Cast
Kitty Swink: Aoife Muldoo
Armin Shimerna: Tony Reilly,
Michael Kirby Anthony Reilly,
Liza Seneca Rosemary Muldoon
Crew
Set Design by Mark Mendelson;
Sound Design by Chris Moscatiello; Lighting Design by Justin Huen; Costume Design by Caitlin Cisek
Prop Master/Set Dressing by Megan Trapani
Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley
Directed by MATTHEW LEAVITT
OUTSIDE MULLINGAR will preview on Thursday October 16th and Friday October 17th
at 8pm; will open on Saturday October 18th at 8pm (press opening); and runs through
Sunday November 9th at
The Skylight Theatre, 1816 1/2 N Vermont Ave in Los Feliz.
Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.
(No show on Friday October 31st).
Ticket prices are $40. For tickets please visit https://the6thact.ludus.com
For more information, photos, press interviews or for press comps, please email
the6thact@gmail.com
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