USU shows its Irish side with “The Cripple of Inishmaan”
This Thursday there may not be leprechauns, but Irish luck will certainly be in town. USU’s department of theatre arts presents “The Cripple of Inishmaan,” a play set in the 1930s in a small town in Ireland.
The play involves an optimistic young cripple and his aspirations for stardom when a Hollywood director visits a nearby island. Billy, the cripple, is determined to audition but is thwarted by the unfeeling and callous townspeople.
“It’s a really interesting story,” said Tim Roghaar, a sophomore majoring in acting who plays the role of Billy. “It’s not something you would normally see around here.”
Roghaar said he originally planned to study abroad this semester, but after reading the play, he knew it was something he wanted to be a part of. He said he especially identified with Billy’s character. It “fit like a glove,” he said.
According to Roghaar, the story is about “being happy with what you are given.” Roghaar said he related this to his own life because, after growing up in Logan, he didn’t appreciate the Cache Valley community until he left and then came back.
“I just love the part,” Roghaar said. “As an actor it is really fun.”
Roghaar said he’s advise viewers not to read too much into the play.
“Just enjoy it,” he said. “Don’t take it too serious. Just have fun with it.”
Although the play can be considered a comedy, it is also rather dark, said director Colin Johnson.
“It’s very funny in a dark sort of way,” Johnson said. He said the play has content advisories comparable to what would be found in a rated “R” movie. Content cautions include language, imagery, abuse and a mature storyline.
“The Cripple of Inishmaan” is the first production by the theatre department for this academic year. The play was cast last spring and rehearsals began the first week of classes. Four men and four women make up the eight-member cast that has worked to bring this production to stage, according to Johnson.
Johnson said he wants to encourage everyone to attend, especially USU students.
“The productions are presented free (with valid ID) to all USU students,” Johnson said.
The production is sponsored by the theatre department as well as funded by student fees.
“We would like all students to participate in our program,” Johnson said. He said he’d like students to consider auditioning for future plays.
USU’s theatre department’s next production is “Suessical the Musical,” which has already been cast. However, the Caine College of the Arts will be presenting Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Morgan theater shortly before Christmas Break.
Auditions will be held Monday, Oct. 4. The play will also feature Felix Mendelssohn’s score performed by the USU orchestra and women’s choir.
“We would like to remind all students they are welcome to audition,” Johnson said.
Once students see “The Cripple of Inishmaan,” they may be interested in being part of future USU productions, Johnson said. He said it is an “outstanding” play.
“Audiences who drift to shows like “Leverage” and “House” will probably appreciate the dark humor of human behavior portrayed,” Johnson said.
The play will keep audience members guessing with lots of turns in the plot, Roghaar said.
“You never know what is going on,” Roghaar said. “You think you do, but then … it goes up and down.”
Ben Brantley of The New York Times reviewed the play by saying, “the waywardness of human behavior means a good yarn-spinner will never want for surprise endings.”
“The Cripple of Inishmaan” will premiere Thursday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Caine Lyric Theater. Tickets are free for USU students with ID, and cost $13 for reserved seating, $11 for USU faculty and staff, $9 for non-USU students.
The play runs Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 and Oct. 6-9 with all performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Caine Lyric Theater is located at 28 West Center St., Logan.
To purchase tickets, visit the Caine College of the Arts Box Office in the Chase Fine Arts Center, Room 139-B, or the Caine College of the Arts Dean’s Office Box Office. Tickets may also be purchased by phone 435-797-8022 or online at the college’s website.
– marleah.jacobson@aggiemail.usu.edu