Molly Sweeney
Sat, 24 Mar 2001, 01:02 amWalter Plinge2 posts in thread
Molly Sweeney
Sat, 24 Mar 2001, 01:02 amI'm tempted to say, "Now here was an interesting production," but when most people see the word "interesting" they think "crap". This was certainly not the case with Molly Sweeney.
Once again, my main reason for seeing the show was to see a friend's performance. However, even were this not the case, I would probably have gone to see and support these performers - late of Irish Theatre Players - who have put this production together in lieu of ITP's current problems.
Molly Sweeney stars Catherine McStravick, Cory Jones and Noel O'Neill. The three actors never share any dialogue, instead, alternating between monologues as they share the tale of Molly Sweeney. It is a credit to these three strong performers - particularly Catherine and Cory (sorry Noel) - that this succession of monologues never became tiring. Indeed, we were swept along by the story of Molly who, although born with sight, has endured blindness since the age of ten months. Despite never seeing her husband, nor most of the things many of us take for granted, she has been raised a strong, capable and confident woman. Her secure little world is jeopardised when she meets Mr Rice - a faded opthalmologist yearning for one last, big success to redeem his reputation - who may or may not be able to restore her sight.
This is a simple story, with laughs and tears, carried by the strength and conviction of the three performers. Always believable, they escorted the audience lovingly through the story. This was a great example of acting with your voice alone - conveying emotion and information, never losing the audience's attention - simply by standing and talking. Extra kudos for Catherine who convinced me completely of her blindness, and to Cory who, apparently, isn't Irish but pulls off a damn fine imitation.
JB
Once again, my main reason for seeing the show was to see a friend's performance. However, even were this not the case, I would probably have gone to see and support these performers - late of Irish Theatre Players - who have put this production together in lieu of ITP's current problems.
Molly Sweeney stars Catherine McStravick, Cory Jones and Noel O'Neill. The three actors never share any dialogue, instead, alternating between monologues as they share the tale of Molly Sweeney. It is a credit to these three strong performers - particularly Catherine and Cory (sorry Noel) - that this succession of monologues never became tiring. Indeed, we were swept along by the story of Molly who, although born with sight, has endured blindness since the age of ten months. Despite never seeing her husband, nor most of the things many of us take for granted, she has been raised a strong, capable and confident woman. Her secure little world is jeopardised when she meets Mr Rice - a faded opthalmologist yearning for one last, big success to redeem his reputation - who may or may not be able to restore her sight.
This is a simple story, with laughs and tears, carried by the strength and conviction of the three performers. Always believable, they escorted the audience lovingly through the story. This was a great example of acting with your voice alone - conveying emotion and information, never losing the audience's attention - simply by standing and talking. Extra kudos for Catherine who convinced me completely of her blindness, and to Cory who, apparently, isn't Irish but pulls off a damn fine imitation.
JB