Theatre Review

Ghostly, talky ‘Shining City’ at Epic

Don Fowler
Posted 2/25/15

Cranston’s Epic Theatre is presenting the Rhode Island premiere of Conor McPherson’s ghostly but very talky one-act play, “Shining City,” at Theatre 82, 82 Rolfe St., this Friday and …

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Theatre Review

Ghostly, talky ‘Shining City’ at Epic

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Cranston’s Epic Theatre is presenting the Rhode Island premiere of Conor McPherson’s ghostly but very talky one-act play, “Shining City,” at Theatre 82, 82 Rolfe St., this Friday and Saturday, February 27 and 28 at 8 p.m.

McPherson’s popular ghost story, “The Weir” has been produced in Rhode Island, with the same eerie feelings to it. “Shining City” is a bit subtler in its approach to the existence of ghosts.

Thomas Brody plays John, a troubled man who visits a therapist to talk about his recently deceased wife and the guilt he is dealing with over her death. He is convinced that he sees her in their home, to the point of moving to a local B & B to avoid her ghostly presence.

Jim Brown plays Ian the therapist who has just opened up an office in the area, bringing his own baggage to the session.

I had trouble with McPherson’s rambling dialogue, which includes that irritating phrase “You know” in just about every sentence, plus an over-long soliloquy by John as he tells a long, troubled story to Ian.

There are two other minor characters who figure into their lives. Nessa (Melanie Stone) confronts Ian when he abandons her and her baby Lawrence (Kevin Broccoli) shows up at Ian’s office after being picked up in a park.

The relationships are a bit fuzzy but figure into the troubled mind of a therapist who needs to heal himself. Both patient and therapist are dealing with loneliness, guilt, loss and insecurity and want to get on with their lives. They do move on before the play ends with a surprise. Pay attention, or you may miss it.

Performances are good, and director Jeff Sullivan keeps what little action there is moving. My problem with the play lies within McPherson’s dialogue.

General admission is $15, $12 for students and seniors. Call 490-9475 for reservations.

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