Look up the word “blarney” in the dictionary and you’ll find the following definition: “deceptive or misleading talk; nonsense; hooey.” Mark Doherty’s hysterically funny 2004 award-winning comedy “Trad” (short for “tradition”), which is receiving its local debut courtesy of Solas Nua, is based on the premise that, for the Irish, blarney isn’t just a fanciful gift for gab, it is rather a way of dealing with life’s misfortunes.
» Synopsis
The main characters are Thomas (Michael John Casey), a 100-year old one-armed duffer, and his Da (Chris Davenport), a feisty, one-legged curmudgeon who thrives on the telling of tall tales. Upon learning that Da is despondent over the end of his lineage, Thomas decides this might be a good time to break the news about the one-night stand he had 70 years ago that possibly produced an offspring. Energized by this revelation, Da insists that Thomas join him on an odyssey to locate this potential heir.
» The cast
Casey and Davenport’s performances mesh beautifully together, achieving vocal rhythms worthy of Abbott and Costello. Stephanie Roswell shines in multiple supporting roles, including an old lady, a dotty village priest and, in the play’s most poignant moment, the ghost of Da’s wife glimpsed briefly in a dream. Roswell also assists musician Jonathan Watkins in providing live musical accompaniment.
» The crew
Linda Murray’s direction perfectly compliments both the vaudeville-style verbal routines and the quieter, more sentimental moments of the script. Marianne Meadows’ lighting and Dan Brick’s set are also worthy of mention.
» The highlights
Among the memorable moments in “Trad” are Da’s colorful tirades against the Brits (and anyone else who isn’t Irish), the scene where Thomas pitches apples at Da so he can bat them at a moving train, and Father Rice’s convoluted narrative about a farmer who literally worked himself to the bone.
» The bottom line
A wonderful blend of farce and pathos, Solas Nua’s “Trad” is yet another triumph for one of the area’s most consistently creative theater companies.
If you go
Solas Nua’s production of “Trad” runs through Feb. 17
» Venue: The Mead Theatre Lab at Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW
» Performances: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Fridays; 3 p.m. Sundays
» Tickets: $20
» More info: 800-494-TIXS,
www.solasnua.org
