CurtainUp
The Internet Theater Magazine of Reviews, Features,
Annotated Listings
| |
CurtainUp The Internet Theater Magazine of Reviews, Features,
Annotated Listings |
|
A CurtainUp Review Rebel in the Soul
Although Browne is a meaty enough character to merit a play of his own, Kirwan whips up a triple-decker drama that has Browne politically sparring with two other Irish politicians: party leader and ex-Irish Republican Army chief Sean MacBride and the crafty Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. John Charles McQuaid. Kirwan employs the monologue as his chief dramatic device which allows his trinity of principals to exercise their verbal prowess and argue their specific political views. The monologues also provide exposition to serve up essential facts about mid-20th Century Irish history and to convey each speaker's stance on vital issues. However, a string of monologues can also result in a loss of emotional power. While Kirwan does punctuate his script with more dynamic interchanges, the piece never completely flies. That said, there are powerful moments, especially when the principals spar with each other or argue about the blurred boundaries between church and state in Catholic Ireland. Case in point: When Brown seeks the counsel and encouragement of MacBride on his "Child and Mother Health care Scheme" before meeting with the formidable prelate McQuaid, MacBride bluntly points out the futility of Browne's plan, weighting his remarks with a precedent from American history: "My God, man, don't you know who you're dealing with? For all his hydrogen bombs, the doctors even trumped Harry Truman when he tried to introduce health insurance in America." Patrick Fitzgerald plays Dr. Noel Browne with just the right blending of intensity and boldness. His Browne is a forward-thinking'crusader, with a strong streak of stubborness. He brings pathos to his part when he summons up Browne's childhood memories of losing both parents and an older brother to tuberculosis 21. Fate stepped into the younger Brownes life and gave him opportunities to go to a Catholic prep school and later Trinity College. No, he didn't escape tuberculosis. But he didn't become its victim either. His fiancee and future wife Phyllis, in fact, managed to find funds to send him to England where he was treated with the latest medicines. Browne survived—and eventually thrived. Sean Gormley performs the roles of the hardboiled party leader Sean MacBride and a no-nonsense physician. His MacBride never forgets that he's the son of the legendary Maude Gonne, and it immediately elevates him from the local riff-raff in Irish society. If Gormley's MacBride is one sharp politician, hes just as canny as a physician. In fact, the medical doctor saves Browne's life by advising him to go to England where a doctor has developed effective treatments. John Keating is charismatic as Dr. John Charles McQuaid, Dublin's Archbishop. Although a staunch Roman Catholic and in synch with Papal teachings, he also has a softer human side and quotes lines from Patrick Kavanaugh's poetry and Seneca when the mood strikes him. Sarah Street, as Browne's Protestant wife Phyllis adds a strong female presence. Though her part could be fleshed out more she's every inch a supportive wife and devoted mother. Moore's staging provides little elbow room for the principals. All remain on stage throughout, sitting at the edges of the performing space til their given scenes arrive. Michael Gottliebs chiaroscuro lighting is well-done, as is Linda Fishers realistic costume design. A Rebel in the Soul is a solid diversion for who like their theater with a twist of politics. With all the buzz in the media about health care plans today, it's interesting to learn about a man who fought to give women and children free access to health care , regardless of their socio-economic class. |
Search CurtainUp in the box below PRODUCTION NOTES Rebel in the Soul by Larry Kirwan Directed by Charlotte Moore Cast: Patrick Fitzgerald (Dr. Noël Browne) Sean Gormley (Seán MacBride), John Keating (Dr. John Charles McQuaid), Sarah Street (Phyllis Browne) Sets: John McDermott Costumes: Linda Fisher Sound: M. Florian Staab Lighting: Michael Gottlieb Projection Design: Chris Kateff Stage Manager: April Ann Kline Irish RepertoryTheatre, 132 W 22nd St. Tickets: $50. Phone (212) 727-2737 or www.irishrep.org From 4/12/17; opening 4/18/17; closing 5/21/17. Wednesday @3pm & 8pm; Thursday @ 7pm; Friday @ 8pm; Saturday@ 3pm & 8 pm; Sunday matinee @ 3pm.. Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission. Reviewed by Deirdre Donovan based on press performance of 4/15/17 REVIEW FEEDBACK Highlight one of the responses below and click "copy" or"CTRL+C"
Paste the highlighted text into the subject line (CTRL+ V): Feel free to add detailed comments in the body of the email. . .also the names and emails of any friends to whom you'd like us to forward a copy of this review. For a feed to reviews and features as they are posted at http://curtainupnewlinks.blogspot.com to your reader Curtainup at Facebook . . . Curtainup at Twitter |
