“Outside Mullingar,” which opens at Lakeside Little Theater (LLT) Friday, October 21, is a contemporary, romantic comedy set in rural Ireland, guaranteed to bring both laughter and a few tears to audience members.
Although this play only had a short three-month run on Broadway in 2014, it was still nominated for a Tony Award that year. The playwright, John Patrick Shanley, is probably best known for his script for the movie “Moonstruck” that starred Cher and Nicholas Cage. Expect similar interaction among his characters in this play, as well as snappy dialogue, conflict and ultimate romantic revelation.
Before the play begins, and at the end, there is a narrative by Shanley. He describes a trip to Ireland, many years ago with his Irish-born father. The trip back to the old family farm is the basis for this story. Peter Luciano did a natural and convincing portrayal of the author telling us of the need to bring his Irish roots to the stage.
The story centers around the family farm and what will become of it when Tony Reilly dies. Tony wants the farm to pass down to future generations, but his son is approaching middle age and is unmarried.
The acting in this play is outstanding. In my opinion, this may well be the best LLT has ever produced. Kudos to Director Ann Swiston and Assistant Director Candace Luciano for squeezing the very best out of their actors. They even managed to find two Scots, a Brit and a Canadian to produce a realistic Irish brogue.
Tony Reilly, played by Dave McIntosh, is a hard-nosed old Irishman set in his ways who doesn’t appreciate his son, Anthony, very much. As the first act progresses, he finally realizes that Anthony is the real glue that holds the farm together. Later, when it is obvious that he is dying, there is a touching scene displaying love and resolution between the two men.
McIntosh gives a moving performance as a feisty codger finally coming to terms with his son and his impending passing. Involved in theater for over 55 years, he has acted in and directed shows in Canada, the United Kingdom and Bermuda, as well as LLT. His skills and experience elevate any show in which he performs.
Anthony Reilly is a shy lad, never fighting for what he really wants in life. Doug Pinkerton is very believable, portraying a slightly strange man who ultimately admits his love for his father and his affection for his neighbor Rosemary Muldoon. He has several funny and touching scenes in this play and he projected the emotions to incite both laughter and tears from the audience. Pinkerton has been acting in live theater since he was a child and gives a stellar performance in this show.
Aoife Muldoon, played by Mary Hunt, is an old friend and neighbor of the Reillys. She is not afraid to voice her opinion on old man Reilly’s personal business and, together with her daughter, finally gets Tony to acquiesce on his decision concerning the farm. This is Hunt’s debut on the LLT stage. She brought an effortless portrayal of a widow accepting that she will soon follow her husband but not before she gets Tony to do what’s right. We expect to see more of Hunt in future productions.
Deborah Spitz plays the feisty character of Rosemary Muldoon, a strong personality who can see through and manipulate Anthony into revealing his true feelings. There is a particularly funny scene with Anthony centering around his sexuality and his strange alter ego. Spitz is a college trained actress who has appeared in community theater on several continents and brings depth and realism to her character.
The revolving stage is used in this show allowing for three totally different scenes. It takes the efforts of many construction members, set painters and set designer Ruth Kear to bring the visual enhancements to the playwright’s words.
Stage Manager Win McIntosh and her assistant Sandy Jakubek keep the show running smoothly. Kear and Sandra Murr ensure that the stage props are at the actors’ fingertips. Johanna Clark, wardrobe mistress, and dressers Sharon Lowry and Linda Freeman, along with makeup person Nancy Jessop, make sure the actors look good. The tech crew spend hours designing and coordinating the lighting and sound cues. Recognition goes to Karen Lee, sound, and Garry Peerless and Kevin Leitch for lighting.
“Outside Mullingar” runs from Friday, October 21 to Sunday, October 30. Evenings at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on the first Saturday and both Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets, at 200 pesos, can be purchased at the box office one hour before show time, or from 10 a.m. to noon all show days except Sunday. Also available from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">.