BWW Reviews: West End Players Guild's Engaging Production of THE SEAFARER

Playwright Conor McPherson's The Seafarer plays like a Irish, whiskey-soaked poke at The Seventh Seal, with cards replacing the chess pieces. It's a wry (or should it be rye?), funny little piece, that's as dingy looking and feeling as it is raw in McPherson's approach to its dialog. The West End Players have crafted an entertaining production where redemption hinges on the vision of a myopic friend. I saw the last performance, but the next play up is an original work by Stephen Peirick, Wake Up, Cameron Dobbs, which will play February 24 – March 4, 2012.

James "Sharkey" Harkin is at a low point in his life. He's stuck caring for his brother Richard, who dived into a dumpster after some wall paper, bumped his head and lost his eyesight. He's at odds with Nicky Giblin, who's not only driving his car, but bedding his ex as well. Then there's Ivan, who's marriage is on the rocks as well, and can easily, but erroneously, be blamed on his inability to locate his glasses. And, finally, there Mr. Lockhart, a mysterious figure from Sharkey's past, who may be the devil in disguise. Either way, he remembers a time 25 years prior when Sharkey was in the drunk tank, and facing a possible murder charge until he defeated Lockhart at cards. Now, it's time for a rematch, and Sharkey's soul is on the line.

Robert Ashton is strong as Richard Harkin, the blind brother with the loud mouth and a stubborn refusal to bathe. He's so good you can almost smell him. Matt Hanify is his dutiful, but damaged brother Sharkey, who's startled by the peculiar turn of events this particular Christmas Eve. Charles Heuvelman amuses as Ivan, whose own warped eyesight plays a pivotal role in the outcome of this story. John Reidy is splendid as Nicky Giblin, a flashy type who obviously rubs Sharkey the wrong way, and Barry Hyatt is properly menacing as Mr. Lockhart.

Steve Callahan's direction is well done and he's nicely supported by dialect consultant Jerry Moloney, as well as Mark Wilson's grungy scenic design. Renee Sevier-Monsey keeps the action illuminated, and Callahan also provides the jaunty music that flows between each scene.

The Seafarer is a splendidly mounted production by the West End Players Guild and runs through January 15, 2012.