The Honey Trap Off-Broadway Reviews

Thanks in part to its striking production by Matt Torney, who makes an impressive directing debut at Irish Rep, The Honey Trap offers some highly engrossing theater. Leo McGann’s drama might be more fully expressed as a screenplay, but for now hot acting and potent atmosphere help to make it quite a satisfying show.

Though The Honey Trap clamps down in an emotionally stunning conclusion, a reviewer’s mild query is whether in the Dave/Charlie twist does McGann risk confusing literally inclined spectators too much before revealing his devastating destination?

The press rep at Irish Repertory Theatre, always helpful and cheery, seemed even more effusive than usual, as if she were about to hand out tickets to a winner. She wasn't wrong. The Honey Trap, Irish Rep's New York premiere of Leo McGann's drama, is a finely wrought, deeply emotional account of a difficult moment in Irish history (aren't they all?), anchored by a stellar lead performance, and culminating in one of the tensest scenes I've seen on a stage in years.

Hayden is mesmerizing as Dave, confident and combative one moment and then gradually revealing hidden depths of remorse and resignation as the story unfolds. Sharing his story — or as Emily would put it, “his truth” — really does seem to have a cathartic effect on the man. The Irish have always had a gift for spinning yarns, after all, and The Honey Trap underscores how hard it is to pin down something as subjectively elusive as the truth.

The Honey Trap is another prize, another winner, on Irish Repertory Theatre’s shelf of good historical dramas with deep psychological underpinnings that make for a great night out at the theatre.

Strong performances across the board give this production heft. Ranson is utterly convincing as a seemingly poised student who nevertheless is triggered when her Irish bona fides are called into question. Marconi and Tipping make a comedic pair as they try to score at the bar with all the grace of toddlers at a petting zoo. Samantha Mathis has us hanging on every word as the mysterious Sonia, who may have the answers Dave is searching for. And Hayden dominates the stage as we watch Dave wrestle with memories, trauma, and a secret guilt that has driven his need for revenge.