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| Finale of A Man with the cast Photo by Shirley Hatton |
In 1895, Oscar Wilde was sentenced to two years hard labor
at Reading Gaol for unspeakable crimes. Seventy years
later we meet , Alfie Byrne (spot on Dominic McChesney), a man in a box. Alfie’s a conductor on a Dublin bus. He enlightens his passengers to their
delight by reading from the poetry of Oscar Wilde with sincere abandon. It’s 1964 in Terrance McNally’s A Man of No Importance, five years
before The Stonewall Riots in New York City. Prejudice against ‘poofters’ in
Dublin, as in most other parts of the world, abounds. Catholic guilt bumps
heads with Alfie’s love of the Theatre:
ART and... the love that ‘dare not speak its name.’
Creative Director of Good People Theatre Company, Janet
Miller, is in it for the love of theatre.
Her initial production beams with the dedication of the cast in the
rustic Lillian Theatre that doubles for the community room at Dublin’s St.
Imelda’s Catholic Church. St. Imedelda’s is overseen by newcomer to the cast
Terrence Evans as Father Kenny.
Evans’ last minute entry into the established company was a bit iffy at
the start, but the play must go on and as it rolled along, this pivotal role
became his.
Corey Hirsch’s almost Irish band keeps the flow consistently
through out two acts. The only
missing element is the throbbing bottom of the bodrhan, the throaty Irish frame
drum that is significant in the music of the Emerald Isle. Hirsch and his professional crew whose
names I am unable to find in the program, are consistent and supportive. As a fan of Boys of the Lough and The Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem,
the true spirit of Ireland, is off only by a hair. Score by Stephen Flaherty and
lyrics by Lynn Ahrens is filled with energy and the ensemble brings it all to
life. For some reason, we have no
signature tune that sticks with us to send us humming out the door. Grand moments include the rich tenor of
bus driver Robbie Fay (swarthy Keith Barletta) especially with “The Streets of
Dublin” and Alfie’s self exploration in “Man in the Mirror” (not the Michael
Jackson song) that is at once a lament and a seed of inspiration that takes
root and later blossoms.
It’s a love story in many ways. Alfie’s love of Oscar Wilde and his
passion for the theatre is primary.
His new project will introduce the cast of locals to Salome, a truly
passionate piece of Wilde’s. His
discovery of the very pretty ingénue, Adele Rice (very pretty Audrey Curd), who
is new to the bus route is perfect for the role of Salome, even though the more
senior Mrs. Grace (Mary Chesterman) would really like to shed the seven veils herself. Underlying is Alfie's personal
exploration of love with “Love Who You Love” that brings the story around to him
personally.
The ensemble doubles from time to time with stand outs Matt
Stevens as Baldy O’Shea singing a melancholy but also happy tune, “The Cuddles Mary Gave.”
The ensemble: Marci Richmond Herrera (perky Miss Crowe), Gail
Matthius (Mrs. Curtin stops the show when she suggests that Salome might tap dance her veils away), Corky
Loupé, Michael P. Wallot, sexy Malina Kalomas, Bret Shefter, Matt Franta,
elegant Shirley Anne Hatton (Lily Byrne) and imposing David Gilchrist, all, are
a troupe of True Thespians who, within and without the context of the piece act
as one.
This impressive initial offering by Good People is a signature
for strong productions to come.
Professional from first to last, those who love the Irish and know
McNally’s strong characters will find this one endearing.
A MAN OF NO
IMPORTANCE by Terrance McNally
Music Stephen Flaherty, Lyrics by Lynn Aherens
Good People Theatre Company w/ M.B. Players
Lillian Theatre
1076 Lillian Way (at Santa Monica Blvd.)
Hollywood, CA
90028
Through June 30, 2013
Call for information and tickets
323 455 4585
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