Colonial Players is opening its 68th season with "The Cripple of Inishmaan," a stunning 1997 work by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh.
Set in 1934 on Inishmaan Island off the coast of Ireland at the mouth of Galway Bay, the story relates how its characters cope with the harsh realities of this desolate place.
Dark Irish humor turns cruel when directed toward Billy, an orphaned teen who struggles with a non-functioning arm and leg and a tragic history — the drowning of his parents has left him to be raised by two foster aunts, Kate and Eileen Osbourne.
Billy deflects the prejudices and insensitivities of townspeople by returning their insults in good-natured banter. More difficult for him is when the insults are hurled by lovely but heartless Helen, whom he secretly admires.
An unusual diversion comes via a film crew in search of a crippled boy to appear in a Hollywood film about life on a neighboring island.
Colonial Players gives McDonagh's groundbreaking tragicomedy a top-notch production on every level, led by inspired directing by Dave Carter in his Colonial Players debut. Carter plumbs the depths of each multi-faceted character while illuminating deep passages of dialogue.
A stellar cast takes us on this journey of conflicting personalities, eliciting the close-knit intimacy of small-town life, complete with earthy down-home humor delivered in lilting Irish brogue.
Carol Cohen and Mary MacLeod are cast as shopkeeper sisters Kate and Eileen Osbourne, who share their home and their concern for Billy's bleak future while coping with the harsh truth of their own lives.
MacLeod's Eileen is a frugal shopkeeper whose concern for Billy causes her to indulge in choice delicacies that are also sought by customers. Cohen's Kate is a devout Catholic whose worry over Billy causes her to speak to stones, amusing the townspeople — and audience members.
In a stunning Players debut, Broadneck High School sophomore Jack Leitess fully embraces the character of Billy. The orphaned boy wears a leg brace and is unable to move his arm from his neck area, dragging one leg across the stage with agonizing difficulty.
Leitess conveys Billy's gentle patience as he repeatedly asks not to be called "Cripple Billy" by the insensitive neighbors who lack his own maturity.
Without words, Billy's intolerable isolation is eloquently expressed by Leitess, particularly in scenes reflecting his youthful yearning for the taunting, foul-mouthed Helen.
Natasha Joyce inhabits the role of Helen, swearing at priests who fondle her, viciously attacking her brother Bartley — well played by Bates Middle School eighth-grader Andrew Sharpe — and delighting in the cruel torture of Billy. Joyce does particularly well with Helen's one contradictory, compassionate moment.
A character with knowledge of the mysteries surrounding Billy's parents is amusing rogue Johnnypateenmike, fully captured by Edd Miller.
Miller summons a leprechaun's twinkle and impeccable comic timing to enliven every exchange with townspeople, including his delivery of news snippets.
Johnnypateenmike cares for his aged mother, Mammy O'Dougle — and encourages an alcohol diet to hasten her demise. All the while, he expresses constant compassionate interest in Billy's health, with a hint of knowledge of the boy's past.
As Mammy O'Dougle, Lisa KB Rath summons darkest Irish humor to earn large audience laughs. And as Dr. McSharry, Danny Brooks also earns laughter in his concern for Mammy's diet, and fully inhabits his role as care provider for Billy.
Scott Nichols is excellent as fisherman Babbybobby, a grieving widower whose wife's death from tuberculosis has intensified his hatred of the island.
Contributing to the overall excellence is an expert technical staff, including set designer Terry Averill, who delivers distinctive authenticity in the village's hand-crafted weathered wooden gates, shops and room interiors. Costume designer Christina McAlpine's period creations help players define their roles, and lighting designer Shirley Panek's sensitive work establishes a wide spectrum of moods.
Michelle Bruno creates an array of authentic sounds, from a lapping sea to city traffic noise along with a fine mix of mournful and upbeat folk music.
This production transports audiences to another time and place for a little over two hours of theater magic, as characters come alive to convey recognizable strengths and human frailties.
Colonial Players' "The Cripple of Inishmaan" is a must-see production for those who relish thought-provoking tragicomedy, sublimely delivered. The show continues through Oct. 1, 108 East St., Annapolis. Tickets are available at the box office by calling 410-268-7373 or online at thecolonialplayers.org.