Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Jim Parsons is affectingly restrained in John Doyle’s intimate revival of Ahrens and Flaherty’s A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE

• By drediman
• October 31, 2022
• No Comments

Last night, Classic Stage Company’s highly anticipated 20th anniversary revival of Lynn Ahrens (lyrics), Stephen Flaherty (music), and the late Terrance Mcnally’s (book) A Man of No Importance opened Off-Broadway (the musical was first presented by Lincoln Center Theater in 2002, also Off-Broadway). Based on the 1994 film of the same name, the Dublin-set musical tells the story of one Alfie Bryne, a gay bus conductor and theater enthusiast – much of the work centers around his community theater presentation of Salome by Oscar Wilde – who retreats from life for fear of the repercussions of coming out of the closet.

Over the years, the lovely, sensitive musical has been often overlooked by theater presenters in favor of flashier fare. Happily, outgoing CSC artistic director John Doyle has chosen the piece as his swan song, and it’s a perfect fit for his trademark stripped-down aesthetic and CSC’s unassuming space. Indeed, as intimately staged within the cozy confines the company’s East Village home, the musical glimmers with a gorgeous autumnal glow. The production’s ensemble-driven approach also thematically jives with the story of a community coming together to make theater. Mr. Doyle’s staging has elegantly streamlined the material, which here is being presented in one flowing, seamless act that casts a delicate spell with its grace and simplicity.

The grade A cast – many of whom also play instruments as is typical in many of Doyle’s productions – is led by stage and screen star Jim Parsons, who most people will recognize for his long-running stint in the hit television series The Big Bang Theory. As Alfie, he gives an affectingly restrained performance that quietly simmers and aches with inner longing. The revival boasts many other standout performances, namely the great Mare Winningham as Alfie’s sister, the youthful A.J. Shively as the man of his affections, and the golden-voiced Shereen Ahmed as his troubled muse.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE
Off-Broadway, Musical
Classic Stage Company
1 hour, 45 minutes (without an intermission)
Through December 18