Have a shamrockin’ time
with ‘Outside Mullingar’ from Theatre West
Story & photos by Sabine Wilson
For the TODAY
Theatre West is back with its latest production, “Outside Mullingar” written by John Patrick Shanley and directed by Debby Rhein. This heartfelt comedy is set in rural Ireland where lead characters Anthony and Rosemary are caught in a land feud between their two families.
“It’s like an Irish microcosm that displays the grudges that we don’t let go of — of the slights that we hold on to,” said actress Cathye Wehr, who plays Aoife Muldoon.
In 2014, the play was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play, an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Broadway Play and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play.
Engaging in themes of traditional obligation versus breaking the cycle to find what makes you happy, the comedy explores the complications of family dynamics and the depths of unrequited love.
Theatre West welcomes three newcomers to the John Coyne Stage: Sean Tonner as Anthony Reilly, Amanda Megyesi-McCave as Rosemary Muldoon and Michael Murphy as Tony Reilly. Wehr returns after her most recent portrayal of Ann in “The Cocktail Hour.”
For actress Megyesi-McCave, getting this part was a serendipitous full circle.
“I’m from Montana where they were actually doing this play three years ago,” she said. “I had bought the script and was going to audition but I ended up doing a different show. So when I saw they were doing that same play here, I thought to myself ‘I think I have to audition for this play.’”
Three years later, she’s using the same script she bought in Montana to prepare her portrayal of Rosemary.
“Rosemary is a very strong woman who knows what she wants,” Megyesi-McCave said. “But she also has a loving softness to her that makes her appealing and fun to play. I have enjoyed trying to find that good balance in the role where we want the audience to feel connected to our characters and root for them to get what they want.”
For fellow newcomer Tonner, it was the hilarious and “punny” signage that the theater posted throughout the pandemic that engaged him.
“I remember being intrigued by the signs at Theatre West,” he said. “I checked out the website the night before they were having auditions and when I turned up, I was thinking I could just help with set and design.”
Instead, he joined the cast as one of the leads.
While Tonner has enjoyed the heartwarming community aspect of Theatre West, he also drew inspiration from the play itself.
“I would say a lesson I’ve learned during this process is: be willing to put yourself out there and try something you’ve never done before.”
“Anthony is quite anxious and self-conscious, unsure of himself and his place in the world,” Tonner said of his character. “I’ve never done anything like this before so I just went in head first.”
While the turning tides of fate brought this cast together, the production deals with the themes of individual destiny as well. (And with Irish accents as a bonus).
“My favorite part of preparing for the part was the accent,” Murphy said. “I watched some Youtube videos and listened to Sean a bit because he grew up with an Irish family.”
Rhein wears many hats for this production with directing, lights and sound and even painting the set.
“Debby has been amazing and has worked so hard to make us all feel safe and cared for,” Megyesi-McCave said.
Currently only 45 seats will be available for each performance, with an open seating plan to continue with social distancing opportunities as mask and vaccine requirements are relaxed.
Theatre West is holding a food drive during the upcoming performances. Non-perishable foods or checks made payable to Lincoln City Food Pantry will be accepted.
A compassionate and thoughtful work, “Outside Mullingar” shows that it’s never too late to take a chance on love.
Performances take place at 7:30 pm Thursdays through Saturdays through April 9, with a Sunday matinée at 2 pm on March 27.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $12 for under 12. Theatre West is located at 3536 SE Hwy. 101 in Lincoln City. For more information, go to theatrewest.com. For reservations, call 541-994-5663.