The Night Alive
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Cititour.com Review
The ghosts, spirits, and ghouls that often haunt the characters of Conor McPherson’s plays are absent from “The Night Alive,” an extremely moving, often funny work now getting its U.S. premiere at the Atlantic Theater Company. But even the most spectral creature couldn’t compete with the sense of failure that haunts Tommy (the spectacular Ciaran Hinds), a middle-aged, divorced loser living in a disgustingly sloppy room in the home of his persnickety uncle Maurice (Jim Norton).
Tommy, who scrapes by doing odd jobs, is essentially a good soul who has made some bad choices. He’s devoted to his, none-too-bright friend Doc (the very fine Michael McElhatton), tries to maintain some contact with his estranged children, and even seems to have nothing prurient on his mind when he rescues and gives shelter to a bloodied female named Aimee (Caoilfhionn Dunne).
But Tommy’s bond with Aimee – who makes at least some of her living giving hand jobs – grows stronger as the days unfold. Not even the sudden appearance of Kenneth (Brian Gleeson), the guy who bloodied her in the first place, dissuades Tommy from his less-than-clear-eyed dream of creating a life together with Aimee.
McPherson proves the rare playwright who does justice as director of his own work, emphasizing the gorgeous language that provides continuous pleasure, reveling in the carefully chosen details (such as the use of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”) and guiding his cast with utmost care.
Looking perpetually unshaven and terminally rumpled, the usually dapper Hinds displays a stunning lack of physical vanity in inhabiting Tommy. But even more important, this fiercely committed actor never shies away from inhabiting the many complexities of this unhappy if ultimately hopeful man. Nowhere is this more true than in the show’s unexpected final sequence, which should lead to plenty of post-show chatter.
By Brian Scott Lipton
Visit the Site
http://atlantictheater.org/playevents/the-night-alive-nov-30-jan-26
Cast
Caoilfhionn Dunne, Brian Gleeson, Ciaran Hinds, Michael McElhatton, Jim Norton
Open/Close Dates
Opening 11/30/2013
Closing 1/26/2014
Box Office
866-811-4111
Theatre Info
Atlantic Theater Company/Linda Gross Theater
336 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
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