For the last two years, Solas Nua, the only local theatrical company devoted solely to modern Irish drama, has consistently offered D.C. audiences memorable and thought-provoking entertainment.
Their latest production, the D.C. premiere of Owen McCafferty’s 2003 play “Scenes from the Big Picture,” is their best and most ambitious work to date.
Depicting a panoramic view of a “typical” day in Belfast, the play focuses on about six stories that intersect at various points. Teenage couple Maggie (Paloma Ellis) and Bop (Jon Reynolds) become involved with JDs Cooper (Joe Baker) and Swiz (Kevin O’Reilly), who have been vandalizing the shop owned by elderly couple Sammy (Don Kenefick) and Betty (Declan Cashman). Betty is given a lift to the doctor by Robbie (Patrick Bussink), who, unbeknownst to her, is a drug dealer who bullies his addict girlfriend Connie (Madeline Carr).
Bop’s father, Bobbie (John C. Bailey) attends a funeral with his friend Shanks (John Brennan) and, afterward, they spend the rest of the day at a pub with the deceased’s sons, Paul (Eric Messner) and Harry (Joe Isenberg). Pub owner Helen (Stephanie Roswell) is having an affair with Joe (Jason McCool), who is married to Maeve (Madeleine Burke), who is desperate to have children. And so on.
» The Cast
Solas Nua’s “Scenes from the Big Picture” is like a stage equivalent of “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,” in that its cast is a Who’s Who of the area’s best character actors. The other members of the ensemble are: Bryan Cassidy, Brian Hemmingsen, Nanna Ingvarsson, Ellie Nicoll, Daniel Siefring and John Tweel. And, amazingly, there isn’t a weak link in the entire bunch.
» The Crew
Internationally acclaimed director Des Kennedy has done a superlative job with a script that could have been a logistical nightmare in the wrong hands. His staging not only keeps things moving at a lightning pace, but gets the most out of the performers and their delivery of McCafferty’s beautifully written dialogue.
» The Bottom Line
“Scenes from the Big Picture” is the fastest (almost) three hours you’ll ever spend at the theater. If this cast isn’t nominated for the Helen Hayes’ Best Ensemble Award next year, it will be an artistic felony.
IF YOU GO …
Solas Nua’s production of “Scenes from the Big Picture” runs through June 24.
» Venue: Catholic University’s Callan Theatre, 3801 Harewood Road, NE, Washington, D.C.
» Performances: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays
» Tickets: $15 to $20
» Info: 1-800-494-TIXS, www.solasnua.org
