The Seafarer

The Irish love their stories as much as they like their drink, so it's no wonder that a substantial portion of plays originating from the Emerald Isle contain these two themes. But without some action, some plot, one might as well spend the evening in a pub, rambling on with the clientele who seem to have nothing better to do with themselves.

(L to R) Sean G. Griffin as Richard and Shawn Telford as Nicky Photo: Chris Bennion

For most of the evening, Conor McPherson's The Seafarer is a trying exercise in observing the dysfunction of a group of long-time friends, acquaintances, and brothers—alcoholics all—regale in their pickled mentality and sodden attention spans, while they litter the stage with bottles and cans. Drunks can be funny and unknowingly speak the truth of fools, but this is accomplished in contrast to sobriety. When there's no sobriety, what then?

Despite a well-directed effort and a host of fine actors, when what little thread of sense there is in this shaggy dog tale finally manages to surface in the last scene and save us from a completely pointless evening, the slender thread of satisfaction and hope that is salvaged is too little too late.

(L to R) Sean G. Griffin as Richard and Russell Hodgkinson as Ivan Photo: Chris Bennion

If McPherson wants to measure up to bad boy Martin McDonagh (to whom the program guide inadvisedly compares him), he'll need to do a lot more showing and a lot less telling.

The Seafarer runs through March 28th in the Bagley Wright Theatre at Seattle Rep. 206-443-2222.

Bob Bows