When The Cripple of Inishmaan opened Off-Broadway in 1998, it was accompanied on Broadway by another of Martin McDonagh's plays, The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Although it was Beauty Queen that picked up a handful of Tony Awards and much critical praise, it does not make Cripple a less worthy play. (And at least nobody dies.)
This lesser-known work is set in a remote Irish village in 1934. The story focuses on a crippled, orphaned teenager named Billy. Since infancy, two eccentric sisters have raised him. He calls them his surrogate "aunties." They run a general store, in which most of the play's action takes place. Like most teens, Billy is becoming increasingly frustrated by those around him. Irritated at being called "Cripple Billy" by basically everyone, he responds in one of two ways: either he hides his hurt, or verbally lashes out at the person's insensitivity. Simultaneously, the mysterious death of his parents at sea has become more of an issue for Billy, now that he's on the cusp of adulthood.
McDonagh's characters are never easy to like, and this certainly includes the (often) disgusting population of Inishmaan. Rude, vulgar and cruel, they seem barely human at times. Their bluntly stated observations provide much of the play's (sick) humor. As Billy points out, he may be crippled externally, but those around him are "crippled" in their own way. Billy isn't always an angel himself, however.
Based on a true historical incident, a Hollywood film crew arrives to document "peasant life" on a nearby island. Billy uses a wily plot to gain access to the film's location. The film director is impressed by Billy, and asks him to return to Hollywood for a screen test. Elated, Billy is certain that life will be much better in such a forward-thinking place as America. Several months go by. His health deteriorating, Billy fears that he may die alone in America. He returns to Inishmaan on a peace-making mission.
Veteran director Marshall Mason brings these characters vividly to life, and the Rep's resident acting troupe is up to the challenge. And yet it is a talented outsider, Sean Meehan (of Trinity Rep), who plays Billy. It is difficult to describe the exquisiteness Meehan brings to this portrayal. In addition to the physical challenges he faces, Meehan must internally mature even as his body does not. It is one of the most brilliant pieces of acting seen on a Milwaukee stage this year. Still, there are plenty of juicy roles to go around, from the ditzy aunties (Laurie Birmingham and Laura Gordon) to Jim Baker, who plays the village busybody. His half-looped mother is a plum role for Rose Pickering, and she makes the most of it. Actress Elizabeth Ledo comes off a bit over-pitched as Helen, a diminutive, feisty teenager. Most of her venom is directed at her dim-witted younger brother (Bobby Steggert).
Actor Reese Madigan, who plays a widowed loner, turns in an excellent performance despite his underwritten character. The events of Cripple of Inishmaan unfold inside a lovely, bucolic set, with a proscenium arch reminiscent of the gardens of Babylon. The characters are appropriately dressed in rough clothing that conveys their status (or lack of it). Even their well-worn shoes are impressively scruffed. The dialect coach has worked wonders here, and this reviewer is pleased to report that the Irish dialect is consistent throughout.
Composer Peter Kater has created fitting mood music, and sound and lighting qualities are excellent.
