Reviewed by Joan Tupponce
You’ll find as many twists and turns in The Beauty Queen of Leenane as you would a roller coaster barreling out of control. The show, which is set in Ireland, closes out the 2012-2013 season for Henley Street Theatre.
Billed as a black comedy Beauty Queen has a hefty dose of deceit and suspense as well. The play scrutinizes the mother/daughter relationship between Mag and her daughter Maureen. Both are bitter and angry at each other and life itself.
Maureen is resentful because she has had to bear the burden of taking care of her mother. She feels trapped by her mother and in her mother’s tiny home. Mag is manipulative and conniving and will do anything to keep Maureen with her. She takes every opportunity to make her daughter feel small and worthless.
Both women complain constantly about everything from the weather to the biscuits that Maureen buys at the store. Mag spends much of her time slumped down in her rocking chair demanding service while Maureen jerks around the house as the two bicker back and forth.
Finally Maureen sees a brief glimpse of hope and a plan for escape when Pato, who lives in the same town, comes to court her but Mag does everything she can to sabotage the romance.
Just when you think you understand what is happening and why, the play takes a twist that will have you questioning everything you have seen. Beauty Queen is filled with as many surprises as an Alfred Hitchcock thriller.
Director Bo Wilson has a firm grasp of the darkness that fills the lives of these characters and the story from Irish playwright Martin McDonagh. He uses a steady hand to guide his actors and allows them to delve into the dark crevices of the character’s minds.
Tony Foley as Pato and Alexander Sapp as his off-kilter brother Ray are convincing in their roles. Foley is charming and loveable while Sapp pulls off his character’s twisted personality with ease. Mary Best Bova is quite believable as Mag. She is very adept at using body language and expressions as insights into Mag’s scheming mind. Jill Bari Steinberg handles Maureen’s up and down moods with finesse. Her portrayal is spot on.
The Beauty Queen of Leenane will give you some laughs and a lot to think about. The show runs through June 15 from Henley Street Theatre with shows at the SPARC Center on Hamilton Street. Tickets are as follows: Adults $30, seniors $25, student $20. Call 888-695-0888 or go to Henley Street Theatre
