Kevin Barry’s Stories, Brilliantly Staged—A Must See!

by Mary Lou Herlihy

Hilarious Irish characters mine a deep well of humor and humanity in all three of Kevin Barry’s short stories. Melancholy and magic loom around the periphery and keep us on the edge.

Barry’s very Irish stories come alive under the brilliant and playful direction of Paul Finocchiaro. This theatrical extravaganza offers magnificent acting, compelling projected images, a poignant set, and original Irish music. Word for Word’s “Who’s-Dead McCarthy” reveals the genius of this award-winning author.

Spanning the stage, we see an ancient stone bridge, with trash collecting under its arches. Townsfolk gather and gossip there, a link to their community. The bridge becomes a headboard where hysterical sexual shenanigans unfold. Then it offers a backdrop as we travel on a modern train to Dublin. And finally, simply, a bridge between life and death.

The first story “The Coast of Leitrim” overflows with melancholy and droll self-doubt. An isolated, lonely young man falls madly in love, then madly out of love. His inability to accept love drives him mad.

His name is Seamus Ferris (charming Ryan Tasker) and over many months, he fantasizes about a Polish barista named Katherine (winsome Monika Rose Slater). After finally winning her affections, Seamus, curled up in the fetal position, fears Katherine will leave him. His nightmares take over as the ensemble acts out her imaginary departures.

Dead parents comically emerge to remind Seamus of his past failures. Since Katherine loves Seamus, he suspects there’s something wrong with her. Very Irish. He finds things to criticize. The timing and humor of his ridiculous obsessions made me laugh with abandon.

Original music by gifted composer and violinist Colm Ó Riain weaves exquisite and timeless Gaelic riffs with modern melodies. The music provides transitions, sets the mood, and builds suspense.

In “The Wintersongs,” a sweaty old woman on a train (rubber-faced, brilliant Stephanie Hunt) spews a fire hose of horrors at her captive seat mate, 17-year-old Sarah (demure Ailbhe Doherty). Sarah, polite yet horrified, endures the cranky old woman’s raving—hysterically delightful.

The old woman, noticing her ‘audience’s’ divided attention, demands respect. She escalates her preposterous stories, invoking the ensemble to act them out, comically. And then, she mysteriously vanishes. Opinionated apparitions figure prominently.

In the third story, “Who’s-Dead McCarthy,” churches, townscapes, and bridges, are bathed in sepia tone, casting a somber mood. Big, black-coated Con McCarthy (gifted John Flanagan) loves to share news of the dead. He goes around town announcing every death!

His rumpled and crooked jacket hints he’s a wee bit eccentric. Maybe even otherworldly.

McCarthy excitedly shares the details of the latest death with his buddy, played by the incomparable Joel Mullenix. The friend puts up with Con—while glancing a knowing eye at us. As his sometime friend, Mullennix intimately confides with us that Con is “jaunty with sadness,” as McCarthy excitedly shares the details of the latest death.

Kevin Barry’s stories recall uproarious yarns spun by my own family, connecting me to a rich history of Irish melancholy and humor. SPOT ON!

Don’t miss Barry’s three Irish stories in Word for Word’s top-flight production!

 

“Who’s-Dead McCarthy” by Kevin Barry, directed by Paul Finocchiaro, scene & lighting design by Jeff Rowlings, sound by Matt Stines, costumes by Nolan Miranda, original music by Colm Ó Riain.

—by Word for Word, at Z Space, San Francisco. Info: zspace.org – to July 21, 2024.

Cast: Ailbhe Doherty, John Flanagan, Stephanie Hunt, Joel Mullennix, Monica Slater, and Ryan Tasker.

Banner photo: “The Coast of Leitrim” – Ryan Tasker & Molly Benson. Photo: Robbie Sweeny