Belfast, 1979. At the height of the Troubles, two off-duty British soldiers think they’ve hit it off with two local girls at a unionist pub on the city’s outskirts. But what begins as a night of flirtation and playful sparring soon turns dark. Decades later, as one of the soldiers recounts the events for an American oral history project, long-buried memories resurface, drawing him back to Belfast in search of answers and revenge.
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.
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.
| 2025 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway |
| 2026 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway |
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