The University of Evansville Department of Theatre proudly presents The Cripple of Inishmaan, written by Tony Award and Academy Award-winning playwright Martin McDonagh. The play opens on Friday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. in UE’s Shanklin Theatre, with additional performances on February 18, 23, 24, and 25 at 7:30 p.m., and on February 19 and 26 at 2:00 p.m.
The melding of sentimentality and savagery makes this wickedly funny Irish tale so utterly compelling. Based on actual events and set in 1934 off the coast of Ireland, the story begins as a Hollywood movie crew arrives on a neighboring island to film the documentary Man of Aran. This tidbit of exciting news sends several oddball villagers into a frenetic desire to escape the tedium of their impoverished daily lives by getting cast in the film. Critics agree McDonagh’s true talent lies in the haunting way he imbues his stories with quirky characters, both satirizing and glorifying the Irish penchant for self-mythologizing and tall tales.
The Cripple of Inishmaan is directed by R. Scott Lank, professor of theatre. Guest artist and 2005 graduate Kristin Ellert serves as the scenic designer. The production team is rounded out by costume designer Chelsea Allen, a junior from Portland, Tennessee; lighting designer Stephen Boulmetis, assistant professor of theatre; sound designer Chuck Meacham, associate professor of theatre; and dramaturg Finn Lefevre, a senior from Carbondale, Illinois.
The nine-member cast features Lockne O’Brien, a junior from Indianapolis, as Billy the crippled orphan. Playing Kate and Eileen, his adoptive aunts, are Anne Joy, a senior from Denver, and Jennifer Finch, a junior from Friendswood, Texas. The cast also includes Aaron Johnson, a freshman from Salem, Indiana, as Johnnypateenmike; Ben Anderson, a freshman from Hollywood, as Bartley; Julia Strange, a sophomore from Louisville, as Helen; Jacob Buras, a junior from Spring, Texas, as Babbybobby; Brian Schwartz, a sophomore from Austin, Texas, as Doctor; and Emily Daly, a junior from Milwaukee, as Mammy.
Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $11 for seniors, students, and UE faculty. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at noon on the day of the performance they wish to attend. Also on sale are tickets for the last Shanklin Theatre production of the semester, Once In A Lifetime, by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, running April 13 through 22. Tickets may be purchased by calling 812-488-2031, Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.
