Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland in 1934, the townspeople of Inishmaan live virtually uneventful lives until word spreads that Hollywood director Robert Flaherty is making a documentary at a neighboring island. While the play is fictional, Flaherty was an actual filmmaker whose award-winning "Man of Aran" is referenced in "Inishmaan."
The play, written by Martin McDonagh and directed by Penny Paul of Montclair, opened April 11 and runs Fridays and Saturdays (with one Thursday performance April 24th) at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through April 26 at the Nutley Little Theatre Barn, 47 Erie Place, Nutley.
Tickets for "The Cripple of Inishmaan" are $12 and may be purchased by calling (973) 667-0374. For more information about the Nutley Little Theatre, you can also visit the theater’s website at www.nutleylittletheatre.com.
Gus Ibranyi, of Bloomfield, leads the Nutley cast well as Billy Claven, nicknamed "Cripple Billy." News of the film pushes Billy on a quest to audition, and, it seems, to get noticed in a world that often finds him insignificant. Cripple Billy, teased by some of his peers because of his physical condition (his left hand twists inward and left leg drags), lives with his adoptive aunt Kate Osborn, portrayed by Jean Habrukowich, of Somerset, and Kate’s sister Eileen Osborn, performed by Sally Walker, of Cedar Grove.
Both Kate, who occasionally talks to rocks, and Eileen, who eats some of the profits from her sweets shop, genuinely care about Billy. Habrukowich and Walker give their characters life, especially while chatting with one another. Their conversations take on an enjoyable melodic quality, with the two echoing each other’s observations about their lives and that of Billy’s.
Emily Rees, of Montclair, convincingly plays the mean-spirited and feisty Helen McCormick, who ridicules Billy. It’s as if admonishing Billy fuels her own existence. At one point she says to Billy coldly: "Would you love you if you weren’t you?" Meanwhile, Billy yearns for Helen.
Jim Simpson, of Bloomfield, most impressively portrays boatman Babbybobby Bennett with a quiet intensity and mysterious quality that keeps the audience wanting to know more about him. Billy ultimately convinces Babbybobby to take him to the neighboring island by boat for the audition, but he uses a sneaky tactic.
Other strong performances came from George Winship, of Cedar Grove, as the town doctor, and Philip Rogers, of Clifton, as Johnnypateenmike, the town newsman. The cast is rounded out well by Rocco Spoon Jr., of Nutley, as Bartley McCormick, Helen’s brother (Spoon Jr. gave a powerful and moving performance as the star of Nutley’s November 2006 production of "The Elephant Man). Anne Kenny Simpson, of Bloomfield, is entertaining as the elderly Mammy.
The play, with several plot twists and turns, keeps the audience guessing and interested as the characters try to make sense of their own lives, with the weakest working to take a stand against those who want to knock them down. Billy at one point says: "There are plenty around here who are just as crippled as I am," adding that some are as fragile as he on the inside.
Set designer Frank Blaeur (who also designed lights with Kate Daly) kept the scenery simple. A boat very cleverly doubles as a store shelf, lined with cans of beans. A wooden rocking chair adds warmth to the space. The walls are bare. However, some additional props and wall coverings might have added a little more dimension to the set considering the costumes were mostly neutral tones. As to the attire, kudos to costumer Marion Brady for the authentic-looking fisherman knit sweaters and cardigans, simple skirts, corduroy pants, and wool caps. Bravo to dialect coach Michael Walsh for the engaging accents.
Director Paul uses the theater space well to set the scenes. Entrances made from the aisles draw in the audience, as does the Irish music played during scene changes. One of the more appealing aspects of the Nutley Little Theatre is the intimacy of the space, with 48 seats.
The Nutley director, cast and crew put on a well-acted, intriguing production. While "The Cripple of Inishmaan" may not be my favorite McDonagh play — I prefer his award-winning play "The Beauty Queen of Leenane" — the show is worth seeing.
Next up on the main stage at Nutley is "Tomfoolery," directed by Don Sheffrin, with music and lyrics by Tom Lehrer. The show opens June 13 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (with one Thursday night performance on June 26) through June 28. Tickets are $12.
