The Tallahassee Irish Repertory Theaters The Shaughraun: Melodrama, Served with a Comedic Twist by Jarrod Bryant I’ve always compared good theatre to a good martini. Truth be told, I compare most things in life to a good martini. In the case of theatre, however, we are speaking of a few key but quality ingredients deftly mixed, expertly poured, and served with confidence. Last night I had the pleasure of indulging in such a masterful mix with The Tallahassee Irish Repertory Theatre’s ensemble performance of The Shaughraun at the Conradi Studio Theatre on the FSU campus. As I was already familiar with the play, it was difficult for me to imagine how the studio theatre wouldn’t be space-prohibitive for The Shaughraun’s fifteen-person cast, multiple scenes, prison escapes, rolling green hillsides of the Irish Country, and a full Irish wake. But Lanny Thomas, who skillfully directs and performs in this production, collaborated with FAMU set designer Ruben Arana, to create an impressive and transformational multi-leveled playing area, perfectly structured for a jaw-dropping fall that later takes place. Corey Stephens’s lighting design cleverly lures the audience, intimating the mood without demanding it and, in so doing, slowly and methodically draws the audience into each scene. But there is little else subtle about this play. This is melodrama, after all, and it is played as such, coming at you (literally) from every side of the theatre, plucking at every heartstring, and yanking at every funny bone. Let’s just say that no blarney stone is left unturned. The plot revolves around Conn, who is working to help his dear friend, Robert Ffolliott, who has been wrongfully framed by the conniving Corry Kinchela. The Shaughraun of the title (Gaelic for vagabond) here is Conn, performed by Joe Fisher, who plays the lovable whiskey-drinking, tale-spinning Irish rogue to perfection. Conn is working to aid in the escape of his friend Robert (John McDonald performs the consummate hero splendidly), who wants nothing more than to return home to his betrothed, Arte O’Neal (the delightful Kate Ballone) who is about to be evicted from Robert’s estate. Who holds the deed to the estate? None other than the ever-scheming scoundrel, Mr. Corry Kinchela (Jim McMurtry, deliciously devilish), who also has designs on Arte. Enter Captain Molineux, the muddled but honorable British soldier (Lanny Thomas plays him with stammering charm) who has been sent to capture Robert, but stumbles upon Robert’s sister, Claire (a most fiery, flirtatious, and sharp-tongued Laura Johnson) and the attraction, most unexpected because of Claire’s dogged patriotism, is immediately palpable. Corry Kinchela and Harvey Duff (the every-man-for-himself fiend played with quintessential turpitude by John Stevenson) scheme to get rid of Robert, while Conn and Robert devise ways to thwart their efforts. One of the funniest moments comes in the form of an Irish wake. Mrs. O’Kelly (Heather Brown, spot-on as the upbraiding, finger-waggin’ mother of Conn), along with the “hired keeners” Nancy Malone (Marlene Dubois, a spirituous ol’ lass) and Biddy Madigan (Jorgene Hayden, who delivers a most opulent eulogy), wail, moan, and keen like nobody’s business. One of the most riotous funerals I have ever had the pleasure of attending. Rounding out this terrific ensemble is Father Dolan (Marc Cramer is utterly endearing), who tries and tries again to set Conn on the right path, knowing well that his niece, Moya (the plucky Molly Wilson), has an irrepressible fondness for Conn. Sullivan (William Hill/Ryan Burke) and Doyle (Jonathan Clow) who play Harvey Duff’s henchmen, are both terrific and Taylor Anne West, who performs both the British sergeant and a keener, sports a moustache for the multiple roles and adds a wonderful energy to his/her scenes. Directing and performing in a show simultaneously is always a risky business but veteran director and actor Lanny Thomas, with the assistance of FSU Professor Emeritus, Chuck Olsen, has proven, once again, that he really can deliver it all. Melodrama, when done well, can be a cathartic and rousing experience. With traditional Irish tunes wafting in to set the mood (care of Sound Designer and local musician, Steve Hodges), costumes by Michele Belson that beautifully define character and period, a curtain speech that encourages the audience to boo and hiss at the villains (we did it most enthusiastically) and stand and cheer for the heroes (how could we not?) I quickly felt a part of Conn’s plight and wanted nothing more than to see good triumph over evil. What is theatre, after all, if not life personified? You have only three more chances to catch IRT’s sensational performance of The Shaughraun this weekend March 28th and 29th at 8PM and March 30th at 2PM at FSU’s Augusta Conradi Studio Theatre. To purchase tickets, call 850.339.4659 or visit TallahasseeIrishRep.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 11:54:15 +0000
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