On March 16, the curtain opens on Towngate Theatre’s production of the dark, comic play, “The Cripple of Inishmaan.”
The play is written by Martin McDonagh, writer/director of “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” which received 43 major nominations for the 2018 awards season, winning 20 awards including two Oscars and four Golden Globes.
Set in 1934, “The Cripple of Inishmaan” concerns a tiny community of Inishmaan residing at the Aran Islands, off the western coast of Ireland. The inhabitants are excited about the prospect of a Hollywood film crew arriving to film a documentary on the lives of people living on the island.
Billy Claven, who is regularly referred to as Cripple Billy, sees it as an opportunity to escape the boredom, poverty and gossip of Inishmaan. To everyone’s surprise, despite being a social outcast and an orphan, Billy lands a chance to play a role in the documentary film…or as some believe.
A Dark Comedy with a Twist
“This is a really humorous and engaging play,” Oglebay Institute director of performing arts Tim Thompson said. “And while it is a darkly comedic play, there is a twist in the show that takes it from a comedy to a more thought-provoking story.”
Towngate Theatre technical director P.D. Gregg directs the show and has always loved McDonagh’s work. “His work is really fascinating. It is definitely a different take on storytelling.”
Gregg said the show tells us an interesting story concerning gossip and truth. “The play is about how we tell stories to each other,” he said. “Throughout the show, the audience gets different stories from different characters. Each story has its own consequences. The audience is left deciding on where the truth lies…and does the truth truly matter?”
Towngate Production Brings Together Veteran Local Actors
The Towngate production of “The Cripple of Inishmaan” has a great cast full of both Towngate veterans and younger community actors.
“One of my intentions when we selected this play was to get the best actors,” Tim said. “And we did just that. We have an amazing cast. The cast has some of the best veteran actors in the Ohio Valley.”
Cast members include Dee Gregg, Arlene Merryman, John Reilly, Marion Stoltz, Vince Marshall, Micah Labishak Underwood, Brendan Sheehan, Eric Dutton and Zachary Michael.
Get Tickets
Towngate Theater presents “The Cripple of Inishmaan” by Martin McDonagh March 16-18 & 23-24. Curtain is at 8pm. A 3pm matinee takes place Sunday, March 18.
Admission is $12.50/$11 OI members. Purchase tickets online or call 304-242-7700.
Join Us for Pub Nights After the Show
The Friends of Towngate present two “Pub Nights” in conjunction with Towngate’s production of “The Cripple of Inishmaan.”
Events take place in The Gallery at Towngate immediately following the March 16 and March 23 performances, from approximately 10pm to midnight. Enjoy Irish food provided by Ye Olde Alpha and beer provided by Carenbauer Distributing and Wheeling Brewing Company. Listen to live Celtic music, too! Gallowglass and The Troubadour with Karissa Martin perform on March 16. Matt Smith and The Troubadour perform March 23.
Proceeds support Towngate Theatre. Admission is $25 per person and does NOT include show ticket. Purchase online, call 304-242-7700 or contact a member of the Friends of Towngate.