BrightestYoungThings: Play DC: The Seafarer @ Studio

A look into the lives of raging drunks (aka the weekend)

Nestling into the Studio Theatre, I am welcomed by a most cozy set. A shabby looking living room with a soft, worn in couch, various haphazardly placed rugs a few lighted candles and general warm hue overshadow the dilapidated and mismatched nature of the furniture. Hanging from the wall are framed pictures of Pope John Paul II and JFK. A dishevelled Christmas tree hangs in the background. Empty bottles and trash are strewn about the floor. Clearly, someone was having a good time.

Set in Dublin on Christmas Eve, The Seafarer follows two brothers, Sharky and Richard, on their quest to have an enjoyable Christmas holiday. This sounds pleasant enough right? Well, may I mention that both of the brothers are raging alcoholics who basically live in squalor? But remember- this is Ireland where squalor and drunkenness can be both hilarious and revelatory. Dubbed the "Best new play of the year" by the Wall Street Journal, Conor McPhersons; comedy has brought him a lot of attention- and a Tony award. Awash in dark humour and dramatic emotion, he succeeds in painting a comedic portrait of a truly bleak and lonely existence.
The whole situation actually reminded me of this old blind man I used to work for in Brighton, England. Although he wasn’t really a drunk, he was definitely dishevelled; his apartment was a catastrophe, his hair a mess, his clothes covered in stains and his comments pure hilarity. So, often when I think of the UK I think of this and this is what made the play seem so alive and real to me. The nonchalant Dublin references, the careless drinking, the constant use of Irish slang, disregard for cleanliness and the endless wish to have a good time. Oh, and they say the F word about 65 times.
Sharky, played by Billy Meleady, a Dublin native and testament to the authentic accent, has returned to care for his recently blinded brother Richard, played by Floyd King, (he fell in a dumpster during a drunken stupor!). Sharkys' past seems a bit shady- some mentions of being a chauffeur and of being involved with a boss's wife. There is not much elaboration but enough to figure out he has a drinking problem and in turn has an anger problem which make even more problems. He has decided to stay sober during the holiday, help out his brother and sort out his life.

Richard invites his raucous friends over for a night of cards and drinking. Ivan ( Edward Gero) a bumbling blind bat ( he wears glasses) who ends up passed out in Richards bathtub most nights and Nicky ( Jeff Allin) a younger, shiny shirt wearing lad who is now dating Sharkys ex and only drinks Miller. The night seems to be going fine until Nicky shows up with another guest. Now it is never explicitly stated, but one can assume that this new guest Mr. Lockhart (Philip Goodwin) is the devil. Neatly dressed, groomed to the T, Mr. Lockhart wants to join the group in their card game.
During the next 24 hours, the men play poker and the forces of good and evil come out to play. Mr. Lockhart unleashes some bad memories on the guests. He is hoping to win a soul to take back with him. As the alcohol flows, words start to slur, vision gets blurry, the night grows more and more intense and the stakes get higher. It is the quintessential good vs. evil and past vs. future. Each of these men has a questionable past, but can they be forgiven? Will their souls be spared?

Bill Meleady is to be commended on a truly remarkable performance. You feel sorry for the poor guy. The gut wrenching emotions of a failed life are visible on his pathetic face. His every breath is exasperated and tense. As much as he wants to help his brother, the resentment is obvious. He pulls of the thuggish anger with simplicity and ease. It doesn’t hurt that he has a real accent as well. Floyd King is near perfect as comedic relief to the tense and surly Sharky. His insults and one liners had the crowd chuckling throughout the entire performance. He jokes, sneaks drinks, falls over and is generally pleasant despite the facet that he is blind. Finally, I don’t know if it was his innocent look, his acting or his boisterous voice, but Philip Goodwin seemed downright creepy and sinister. The devil in disguise.

The brilliance of this play comes in the comedic delivery, pathetically laughable circumstances and heartfelt performances. My only regret is not being able to see it around Christmas. Who knew a gang of drunks could bring such Christmas cheer.

The Seafarer
Studio Theatre
January 14- February 22, 2009

Brightest Young Things

Live DC

Play DC: The Seafarer @ Studio

FRIDAY 2/24

Attack Attack! w/ The Ghost Inside • Sleeping with Sirens • Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! @ 9:30 Club

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Christina!