Bad Habit Productions Presents "A Man Of No Importance" - A Total Delight

From his entrance, replete with subtle sighs and a face that looks like it wants to apologize for itself, Nicholas Magierowski-Howe had me in his thrall.  His depiction of Dublin bus conductor, Alfie Byrne, is both powerful and heartbreaking. Alfie worships Oscar Wilde, quoting him on his bus route and directing Wilde plays at the local parish.  And like Wilde, Alfie harbors a "love that dare not speak its name" for the handsome young bus driver, Robbie Fay (a very fine Dan Prior).  By fits and starts, Byrne summons up enough courage to begin to act on his desires, with consequences that are both tragic and gratifying.

Cast
"A Man Of No Importance"
Bad Habit Productions
Calderwood Pavilion
Through August 28th
Photo by Earl Christie Photography

This little gem of a musical is based upon the film of the same name.  The book is by legendary playwright Terrance McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.  Under the skillful direction of Daniel Morris, the action is presented as if the community players are telling their own story in the local parish hall. Meghan MacFadden leads an excellent live orchestra.

Dan Prior as Robbie Fay
Nicholas Magierowski-Howe as Alfie Byrne
"A Man Of No Importance"
Bad Habit Productions
Calderwood Pavilion
Through August 28th
Photo by Earl Christie Photography

Set in 1963 in conservative Dublin, the action plays out with Alfie's sister, Lily (a very convincing Mary O'Donnell) waiting patiently for Alfie to find the right girl so that she can marry the butcher, Mr. Carney (Kevin Fennessy), an amateur thespian who usually plays the male lead in Alfie's productions.  Lily does not suspect that "the right girl" will never come along for her brother.  Mr. Fennessy is impressive both as Carney and as the ghost of Oscar Wilde, who urges Alfie to give into his temptations.

Complications multiply when Alfie decides to mount a risky production of Wilde's "Salome," to which Carney has strong moral objections. Alfie finds his princess in Adele (a wonderful Dani Berkowitz), one of the riders on his bus. Adele brings her own secrets to the little theatrical troupe, and high drama ensues.

The music and lyrics are tuned perfectly to fit the intimate performance space at the Calderwood Pavilion.  They reflect the Irish setting and ethos of the play, and have a homespun feel that is apt. Special recognition should go to Dialect Coach Steve Emanuelson for helping the players bring Dublin to Boston's South End. The cast is strong from top to bottom. Gillian Mackay-Smith plays a fun double role as Mrs. Patrick and a memorable Sully O'Hara.

Nicholas Magierowski-Howe as Alfie Byrne

Mary O'Donnell as Lily Byrne
"A Man Of No Importance"

Bad Habit Productions

Calderwood Pavilion

Through August 28th

Photo by Earl Christie Photography

This play runs through August 28th, and should not be missed.

Bad Habit Productions Website

Enjoy!

Al

CAST

Dani Berkowitz, Adele Rice
Catherine Lee Christie, Mrs. Curtain
Kevin Fennessy, Carney/Oscar Wilde
Ian Flynn, Rasher Flynn/Carson
Kevin Hanley, Father Kenny/Brenton Beret
Gillian Mackay-Smith, Mrs. Patrick
Nick Magierowski-Howe, Alfie Byrne
Mary O’Donnell, Lily Byrne
Kim Onah, Miss Crowe
Nick Osborne, Ernie Lally
Dan Prior, Robbie Fay
Nicole Vander Laan, Mrs. Grace/Kitty
Arthur Waldstein, Baldy O'Shea