Hadn’t been to The Columbia Performance Center in several years – more a question of scheduling than anything.? But the name of the playwright – Conor McPherson – caught my eye – he is a very Irish writer, delving deep.? I still remember The Weir with Michael Burnham several years ago – powerful.? And then the mention of vampires in the blurb I saw.
So a friend and I went out to see the show.? New seats, thank heavens.? Almost no church pews left (it’s in an old church, painted dark pink).? A one man show in two acts, with the talented Michael Shooner.? A chair, a table, glass pitcher with water, and a glass of water, plus his raincoat.? Besides his costume – just regular clothes – that’s the entire stage set-up.
An interesting play, even a very good play – though it lost its way a couple of times.? And the vampire story is good, powerful, well told – and scary, as is required.? I get all the drinking – after all, I come from a big Irish family, with nearly every male an alcoholic.? And this story is a good example of how guys – maybe, especially, inappropriate and drunk old guys – can decide and believe a spectacular and beautiful young woman has just been waiting for them to come along.
Finally, the ending happened way too fast.? We were clearly wrapping up the story, dealing with Helen and the vampires.? And then suddenly the story was over, and he was out of that house, talking about what a good tale / excuse this was going to make back in London. Bang.? Done.? Unsettling for me.
Still, some great ideas and interesting stuff throughout.? As I always expect from the New Edgecliff Theater.