A Lovely, Bittersweet “Dancing at Lughnasa”
By Skip Sheffield
Hand it to the Irish to find the beauty in struggling,
suffering and failing to reach an elusive life's goal.
Brian Friel’s “Dancing at Lughnasa” is a lyrical and lovely,
bittersweet memory play set in the year 1936, wonderfully realized by Palm
Beach Dramaworks through June 16 at 201
Clematis St., West Palm Beach
“Lughnasa” tells the melancholy yet enchanting tale of five
grown sisters in the tiny fictional village
of Ballybeg
Older brother Jack (John Leonard Thompson) is on leave from
25 years at a Leper colony in the African British colony of Uganda . As the
story unfolds it becomes apparent Jack’s retirement is not entirely voluntary.
The story is told by Michael Evans (Declan Mooney), the
grown illegitimate son of the dreamy youngest sister, Chris (Gretchen Porro).
The father of Michael is Gerry Evans (Cliff Burgess), a charming Welsh traveling salesman with a gift of the blarney. Eldest daughter Kate
(Julie Rowe) is a devout Catholic and the only one gainfully employed as a
teacher. Maggie (Meghan Moroney) serves cheerfully as the family’s cook and
maid. Agnes (Margery Lowe) is a shy, quiet woman who harbors a fierce crush on
dashing Gerry Evans. Rose (Erin Joy Schmidt) is none too bright, but filled
with the joy of life and expectation of love.
In Act One the ladies anticipate attending a dance in town.
In Act Two they deal with harsher realities of job loss, Gerry’s departure for
war, and the departure of two of the sisters.
Directed with almost supernatural sensitivity by J. Barry
Lewis, “Lughnasa” is beautifully staged on a set by newcomer Jeff Modereger,
artfully lighted by Ron Burns, with precise sound production by Steve Shapiro
involving vintage radio broadcasts and old-time music.
In an ensemble show like this there are no star turns. You
love each character for what she is. Less admirable are the males, but we
understand. This is a memory play, and that’s how it was in Ireland in 1936:
sad but lovely.
Tickets are $55 ($10 students). Call 561-514-4042 or go to
www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.
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