NY Theater Review By Michall Jeffers
From the very first line, we understand that Colm (Patrick Fitzgerald) is a man of the sea. He and his Irish neighbors live on the island of Cliffhorn Heads, at the very edge of the water; they fish to earn a living, and for the food that they eat; and no matter where they may go, or what they may do, the salt water in their veins will always call them home.
Elbrick brings a combination of sweetness and determination to Timothea. She allows us to see the loneliness of her life, and also the glimmer that she may be on to something which will boost her status at the publishing house. Elbrick ably portrays her enthusiasm about the books she gets to read; this is a woman who knows the value of words on paper. There’s a distinct moment when Timothea decides that she’s going to seize the day with Colm; the story turns on the gleam that comes into Elbrick’s eyes.
Fitzgerald plays Colm with an intensity that overfills the theater. Particularly in the second act, a change in dynamics would have provided color and contrast. In such a small house, a little emoting goes a long way. But he does ably demonstrate his affection for Timothea; the characters share a genuine tenderness. It’s unclear whether Colm would be capable of adapting to his situation, and it would be far more interesting if his fate hadn’t been played as a foregone conclusion. There’s an emphasis on the juvenile side of his personality; this does wear thin.
Director Ciaran O’Reilly makes the most of the small stage by dividing it up into distinct areas. Colm’s hearth, Timothea’s apartment, and the churchyard all serve to move the story along. The script, by “Adventures In Paradise” star Gardner McKay, keeps the language rich and the action simple. The play works best when the characters read aloud the letters they’re exchanging. Their spiritual connection is greater than their physical need for each other, yet still not as compelling as Colm’s need for the sea.
The Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 West 22nd Street, 212-727-2737; 1hour, 45minutes Thru June 15th, 2014