FreshINK, Parkside Theatre's staged reading series, presents three performances of Martin McDonagh's Tony Award-winning play "The Lieutenant of Inishmore." Held in the Student Center Cinema at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, this bruising black comedy is presented Nov. 14-16, 2008.
Set in 1993 during the Troubles, the euphemism for Northern Ireland's protracted fight against British rule, "Lieutenant" centers around Padraic, a man so bloodthirsty he makes even the Irish Republican Army squeamish. "Sure, Padraic would kill you for sweating near him," says one of his father's drinking buddies.
But for all his fearsome proclivity for violence, Padraic has a soft spot: his little black cat, Wee Thomas. It's the only thing in the world he truly loves but it's obvious from the very beginning of the play that Wee Thomas is not at all a well cat.
Directed by Brent Hazelton, the cast includes Aaron Verbrigghe as the malevolent Padraic. Chris Baker and Ryan Shaw portray Donny and Davey who must break some very bad news to Padraic. Cathlyn Melvin plays Mairead, with Terrance Barrett as Christy, Taylor Glowac at Joey, and Chad Bay in the dual roles of James and Brendan. Whitney Darling is the narrator.
John Lahr of the New Yorker, called "Lieutenant" a "cautionary fairy tale for our toxic times." He added: "In its horror and hilarity, it works as an act of both revenge and repair, turning the tables on grief and goonery, and forcing the audience to think about the unthinkable."
"The Lieutenant of Inishmore" begins each evening at 7:30 p.m. in the newly renovated Student Center Cinema. During a staged reading, actors may refer to the script. Props are kept to a minimum and there are no costumes
Admission is free. Donations to the UW-Parkside S.T.A.G.E. Club are accepted and benefit Theatre Arts students. For more information about the FreshINK series or the UW-Parkside Theatre Arts Department, call 262-595-2581.Publish date: 10/31/2008
