FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington will present Martin McDonagh’s Tony-nominated tragicomedy “The Cripple of Inishmaan” as its spring Theatre UMF production. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. March 19-21, and 2 p.m., March 22, in the UMF Alumni Theater.
Directed by Jayne Decker, playwright, director and UMF faculty member, “The Cripple of Inishmaan” gives the audience an inside look into life on Ireland’s desolate Aran Islands. Written in the tradition of Irish storytelling, McDonagh’s play is woven around the true story of the making of the 1934 film, “Man of Aran.” The play tells the story of Cripple Billy, an unloved boy determined to audition for the film, and the remote island community’s comic and often insensitive reaction to his venture of hope and discovery, according to a UMF news release.
“This play raises the bar for our student actors on so many levels,” said Decker in the release. “While every character is delightful, they are also very challenging and creating authentic performances took a tremendous amount of preparation and hard work.”
This Theatre UMF production is sponsored by the UMF Department of Sound, Performance and Visual Inquiry. The play contains some adult language.
Tickets cost $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for students. Tickets are available at the time of the performance and can be reserved by calling 778-7465.
Cast and crew: Students names include hometowns
Cripple Billy — Aaron Verrill, Belgrade
Johnnypateen Mike — Jagger Trouant, Gardiner
Kate — Abigail Lindquist, New Hartford, Conn.
Eileen — Shelby Thibodeau, Sidney
Bartley — Tucker Atwood, Embden
Helen — Delainey Kein, Unity
Doctor McSharry — Austin Hayes, Gorham
Mammy — Vivian Corynne Zinni, Brunswick
Babby Bobby — Nathan Sylvester, China Village
Director — Jayne Decker
Scenic and Lighting Design — Stan Spilecki
Assistant Scenic Designer — Austin Phillips, Cape Neddick
Costume Designer — Elizabeth Dorr
Sound Design — Austin Hayes, Gorham
Assistant Director — Ahnna-Balai Beane
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