The Keegan Theater brings Martin McDonagh's wrenching play The Beauty Queen of Leenane to life.
One feels one has stepped right into this grim home of Maureen (Nana Ingvarsson) and her mother Mag (Linda High). Ingvarsson is most convincing as the never married middle aged daughter who spars with her mom who milks both the comic and tragic possibilities in her role as the deceitful mother.
Frustrations rule their lives until Pat Dooley (Scott Graham) ignites Maureen's sexual feelings. Mr. Graham is the epitome of charm. Joe Baker plays his brother, Ray, and he gives a fine performance as the jerky guy and, being inept in delivering a letter, he provides Mag the fuel to interfere in the love relationship that ultimately leads to a death struggle between mother and daughter.
Director Mark Rhea does a fine job in getting the best of the verbal and physical struggles. George Lucas created the necessary dingy kitchen set as authentic as a poor chicken farm in county Galway. Special kudos to dialect coach, Linda Murray, who gets the Irish accents both correct and always understandable.
(To 7/23)
Reviewed by Celia Sharpe AOL Hometown
