#outsidemullingar

The textual support of “like father, like son,” and “like mother, like daughter” is extremely prevalent in this play, and fully-supported in Mr. Kelley’s direction and the actors’ performances. Steve Brady (Tony) and Rod Brogan (Anthony) both share a joy in the farm land they own, though in their own unique ways. Lucinda Hitchcock Cone (Aoife) and Jessica Wortham (Rosemary) showcase their bloodline in being strong, outspoken women who occasionally fall into fits of hysterical crying. The scene where Aoife and Rosemary are berating Tony for not signing over the land to Anthony is an acting highlight for Wortham and Cone as they team up brilliantly against Brady.

(L to R: Steve Brady (Tony), Jessica Wortham (Rosemary), Lucinda Hitchcock Cone (Aoife); Photo Credit: Kevin Berne)

Brogan does a standup job making logical sense of the ending reveal that takes most audience members by surprise. It’s a bit out there, even for Shanley, but comes together nicely for a beautiful, culminating final few moments between Brogan and Wortham. The scene as a whole starts with a wonderful transition as both children are left to their own devices as to what the next step in their life is, individually and collectively. The opposites attract rule is in full effect in this final scene as the audience gets a healthy dose of vivacity from Rosemary as she mightily pursues the mildly- crazy simpleton that is Anthony, both personalities which are brilliantly performed by Wortham and Brogan.

(Jessica Wortham (Rosemary) and Rod Brogan (Anthony); Photo Credit: Kevin Berne) 

Brady’s delivery of his final monologue as to how falling in love with his wife and his discovery of joy in the land coincides beautifully to envelope him in a lifelong happiness is one of the most poignant, emotionally-charged monologues I have ever seen delivered; a true lesson in acting taught by Mr. Brady, who simply sits still in a chair, gazing up at the stars. Technically, this production hits all the marks of a truly masterful piece. Andrea Bechert’s rotating set makes the transition from the three different locales seamless and all-around stunning to watch. Steven B. Mannshardt’s pairs extremely well with Cliff Caruthers’ lovely sound design, coupling the intimacy of night and the comfort of a rainy evening in a way that makes its impact on the audience in every scene of the intermission-less play. 

(Lucinda Hitchcock Cone (Aoife) and Steve Brady (Tony); Photo Credit: Kevin Berne)

Shows/Dates: Outside Mullingar (Currently running - October 30th); Daddy Long Legs (November 30th - December 31st); Crimes of the Heart (January 11th, 2017 - February 5th, 2017); Calligraphy (March 8th - April 2nd); Rags (April 5th - 30th); Hershey Felder, Beethoven (June 7th - July 2nd)

Venues/Address: Mountain View Center for Performing Arts @ 500 Castro Street, Mountain View 94041

                             :Lucie Stern Theater @ 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto 94301

Website: www.theatreworks.org

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