Lieutenant of Inishmore (06/28 2pm review) *Spoilers?*

[GirlforTartaglia]

Posted: 6/28/06 at 7:35pm

Why do people walk out of shows even though they paid a hundred bucks for an orchestra ticket? Because they're incredibly disgusted by 'disturbing acts of violence', 'animal cruelty' (although no animals were harmed), and nauseating amounts of bloodshed - all warnings posted in the lobby of the Lyceum Theatre. And they walk out because they can't take it any more - they can't take the reality portrayed in a show.
That is exactly why I didn't walk out. Because I felt the show was incredibly honest in portraying things through satire and humor; dark humor is one of my favorite things. Although it did get a bit extreme to my liking sometimes, I found it an overall really enjoyable and hilarious show, especially with acting by Gleeson. Four people sitting next to me walked out at intermission because they couldn't understand the Irish accents and they couldn't take the 'cursing' (although they're just saying "feck" ;P)
Now, I'm not going to go into show details because I went in only knowing about the synopsis about the dead cat and the terrorist and I loved every plot turn along the way. David Wilmot was out at this performance, but his understudy, Brian Avers, was great. I guess since I wasn't familliar with Wilmot I had nothing to compare Avers to, but I felt he completely got all aspects of his character across. Alison Pill was definatley a standout, aside from being the only female in the story. I grew to like her more as the show went on. However, the standout for me was Domhnall Gleeson - oh my gosh he was hilarious! My only question is, was that a wig?
During one of the scene changes in mid-Act II, they had this musicy drum sounding stuff playing - it totally fit with the mood of the show and I'd just like to point out how the entire theatre had that atmosphere of tension. However, my only complaint was that there was Irish music playing in the beginning before the show started and it seemed like the same two songs (or one) played over and OVER again. It got a bit annoying, but it did set you in the right mindset I guess.
The cast was great and I loved the story - I can definately see why people would want to leave, but I don't understand why they actually do.
Normally I go into plays with lower expectations, only because I feel that musicals keep my attention more than two hours of talking in a play does - however, it was non stop humor, and when it did get serious, it was timed perfectly so that you still paid attention.
Anyways..that's my "review". Great show. Didn't get to stagedoor it cause I had to catch a train at Penn about 15 minutes after curtain so yeah. But I wish I had!

[Piazzaslight]

Posted: 6/28/06 at 8:52pm

Thanks for the review! Glad you enjoyed the show.

[little_sally]

Posted: 6/28/06 at 9:12pm

Yes, Domhnall wears a wig. And David was out again?

[GirlforTartaglia]

Posted: 6/28/06 at 9:19pm

Yep, he was out..and I see that someone else was out earlier on (I forget who at the moment) and Avers filled in for him at either the Friday night performance or sometime else - my mom accidentally got an extra "at this performance.." slip in her playbill from another show.
I didn't know David had been out for a while..I heard great stuff about him and was lookingforward to seeing his performance but Avers was good too.

[little_sally]

Posted: 6/28/06 at 9:55pm

Yeah, David was out last Wednesday's matinee. I have tickets for the show and I want to see him!

[suzycat]

Posted: 6/28/06 at 10:12pm

David was out when I saw it a few weeks ago, too.

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 6/28/06 at 10:50pm

I was at the show this afternoon as well. I really enjoyed it. I was up in the mezzanine (yay for student rush) and nobody left. This included the mother and her probably 11 yr old daughter who were in the same row as me. I was really impressed with Domhall Gleeson. The music between scenes really helped to add tension to the show as a whole. I'm definitely planning a return trip in the near future.

[FrontRowFirst]

Posted: 6/28/06 at 11:53pm

Saw the show this evening (wed/28th). David was back. LOVED THE SHOW.

[bschneid76]

Posted: 6/29/06 at 9:42am

Just out on a limb, I bought tickets for the show during the Tony Week. I purposly didn't read anything about it. I am so glad I did. I thought it was the most fascinating play I have seen. Even if there was tons of bloodshed, it was counteracted by the humor. I laughed so hard. And squealed at the end with the twist. The acting was amazing. The show altogether was 10 times better than History Boys (though good too). I hope it has a good run.

[mabel]

Posted: 6/29/06 at 10:27am

Geez, sounds like David's not really doing matinees lately. Good to know, I guess, as I would definitely want to see him when I make a repeat visit. Has anyone been to any recent Saturday matinees? Has he been there then? There've been about 3 reviews of the show in the past couple weeks, and I think all of them were sans-David.

Anyway, yeah, I really loved Inishmore, and Domhnall Gleeson was GREAT. I hope to see more of him down the line.