Asolo Rep: Dancing at Lughnasa

SARASOTA — On Friday, the Asolo Repertory Theatre continued its season with the opening of Brian Friel's Olivier and Tony Award-winning memory play, Dancing at Lughnasa.

Set in 1930s rural Ireland, five sturdy sisters hold onto the modest joys of life despite hardscrabble conditions. The story is narrated by Michael, a bastard son who brings bliss and purpose to his mother and aunts. It revolves around a particular summer in which both his missionary uncle and ne'er-do-well father are briefly in his life.

The time and place also give us a look at an Ireland that is becoming increasingly Catholic at the expense of Celtic traditions, including the annual harvest festival of Lughnasa, which is celebrated by dance. Having grown up Irish-Catholic with four sisters, I was immediately drawn into the story.

Friel does a masterful job of capturing the Irish spirit, sometimes celebrating and sometimes lampooning common family dynamics and cultural norms. The play requires strong and even casting, or there’s a good chance that characters will be outshone. Asolo did an outstanding job curating a top-shelf cast capable of fully realizing Friel’s masterpiece.

Mark Benninghofen continues an outstanding season as Uncle Jack, whose celebration of native customs he picked up during missionary work in Africa has caused something of a village scandal. Tyler Michaels King is poignant and just understated enough as Michael, whose reflections on the summer at hand guide us through the tale. Broadway veteran Collin Kelly-Sordelet does a stellar job in his Asolo debut as Gerry, the debonair Welshman whose light feet and charm are a hit with the ladies.

But this story is about women, and the actresses genuinely steal the show. Derdriu Ring is absolutely brilliant as Maggie, the free-spirited aunt who enjoys the most playful relationship with Michael. Doireann Mac Mahon shines as Christina, Michael’s mother. Maeve Moynihan gives an endearing turn as Rose, the youngest of the five girls, and Clare O’Malley is equally engaging in her near-aged favorite, Agnes. Gina Costigan does a commendable job as Kate, the stoic elder sister who often serves as the wet towel to their antics.

John Lee Beatty has once again created a beautifully ambitious set, aided by stellar lighting from Sinead McKenna. David Covach’s costumes are period-correct and well chosen, while Cat Brindisi provides superb choreography that culminates in a raucous Irish jig that had the audience tapping its feet in approval.

Dancing at Lughnasa is a gorgeous story beautifully told. It makes for a delightfully engaging evening of theater you won’t soon forget. It runs through April 19 in the Mertz Theater. Visit the Asolo website for more information.

Dennis "Mitch" Maley is a novelist, as well as an editor and opinion columnist for The Bradenton Times. In addition to his regular Sunday column, he hosts our weekly podcast and does travel features, as well as theater, restaurant, and wine reviews. He is a graduate of Shippensburg University and later served as a Captain in the U.S. Army. Click here for his bio. His books are available here.