In a city where mega-musicals and big-budget productions of magical creatures, epic heroes, and spectacles often dominate the stage, the DR2 Theatre on East 15thStreet contains a gem that reminds us how compelling normal everyday life can be. The Irish Repertory Theatre’s revival of Conor McPherson’s one-act play Port Authority, directed by Ciarán O’Reilly, excels in the art of storytelling.
All three men in the play reflect on defining moments in their lives through alternating monologues that draw the audience into their memories. Youthful Kevin, middle-aged Dermot, and elderly Joe -- played respectively by James Russell, Billy Carter, and Peter Maloney, all veterans of past Irish Repertory Theatre productions – ruminate upon their women and different points where they felt the world was happening to them and they were just there for the ride. The three actors never interact, but create a stunning tableau against scenic designer Charlie Corcoran’s simple set. Like the pale sky rising behind the double-leveled stone wall the characters use as both a resting and playing space, their intricate work may make you lean in, looking for more, but their characters never consider what’s beyond the wall, and eventually their stasis is all that’s desired. Three men sharing their memories are enough to provide for a poignant and beautiful night at the theatre.
Kevin’s heartwarming saga of young love and ambitious plans comes alive via the handsome and unsure Russell, who hits the ball of the court in conveying both the optimistic attitude of the young and the resigned defeatism of the experienced. Maloney is wonderfully quiet and reserved in the role of Joe, telling a story of lost chances and elderly wisdom – a calm contrast to his fellow cast mates. Arguably, the most wholly transformative performance comes from Carter as Dermot, whose tale about something of a middle-aged crisis hits notes of elation, comedy, and disgust as he comes to terms with his place in the world. Carter is not only physically vivacious but also particularly skilled in his mocking impressions of the eccentric characters who interact with Dermot.
Port Authority, the latest addition to The Irish Repertory Theatre’s mission of conveying the Irish-American experience in theatrical performance, features intimate performances of the highest caliber that are not to be missed.
Performances of Port Authority continue through November 16 at the DR2 Theatre. For more information go to https://www.irishrep.org/
Through November 16 at the DR2 Theatre.
