Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Shane O’Regan, another shape-shifting actor, deeply impresses in the stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s PRIVATE PEACEFUL

• By drediman
• September 26, 2018
• No Comments

Shane O’Regan in “Private Peaceful” by Michael Morpurgo, directed and adapted for the stage by Simon Reade. Currently playing at the TBG Mainstage Theatre.

I had recently written a piece covering and reviewing a trio of compelling (to varying degrees) solo shows currently playing in the New York. Let’s add to that list playwright/director Simon Reade’s solo stage adaptation of Private Peaceful, based on the young adult novel by Michael Morpurgo (the author of War Horse, which was also adapted for the stage, to Tony-winning effect), which is now running Off-Broadway at the TBG Mainstage Theatre. It’s most notable for featuring a deeply impressive performance by young Irish actor Shane O’Regan.

Set in England prior to and during World War I, Private Peaceful tells the story of one personable Tommo Peaceful, a young everyman who enlists to serve in the military, along with his older brother Charlie (whom he looks up to). What they encounter on the mainland horrifies them, testing their bravery and constitution to the maximum. For good reasons of his own (no spoilers here), Tommo deserts his infantry, is court marshalled, and is sentenced to be shot. The play depicts his final night before the execution, as he recounts the events that have led him to that point.

The adaptation by Mr. Reade is very good, effectively and efficiently condensing the eventful story into under 90 minutes. But it’s Mr. O’Regan’s skillful, highly physical performance that holds the whole thing together. Like the tremendous Mikel Murfi in I Hear You and Rejoice – another solo show from across the pond, which is a must-see – Mr. O’Regan astonishingly (if not quite as masterfully as Mr. Murfi) plays all the story’s roles with energetic gusto. Although the plot ends tragically – kudos to Mr. Morpurgo for writing a book with a rather powerful anti-war statement for young adults – Mr. O’Regan’s sensational performance defiantly reminds us of the vitality and strange beauty of life.

RECOMMENDED

PRIVATE PEACEFUL
Off-Broadway, Play
TBG Mainstage Theatre
1 hour, 20 minutes (without an intermission)
Through October 7