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MOLLY SWEENEY
By Brian Friel Directed by Siiri Scott March 31–May 8, 2022
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7pm Sundays at 4pm (No performance Easter Sunday, April 17) All performances at The Chopin Studio Theatre 1543 W. Division Street in Chicago Blind since infancy, Molly knows the world through touch, sound, taste, and smell. When her hopeful husband and ambitious doctor propose restoring her sight, everyone begins to understand things may not be as they appear. Brian Friel, Ireland's master storyteller, brings us a riveting contemporary drama about the unexpected consequences of a medical miracle.
* ITC ensemble member
+Member of Actors' Equity Association 
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A magnificent production by the celebrated Irish playwright, Brian Friel... The cast includes three incredibly gifted actor/storytellers, all company ensemble members... Matthew Isler is often funny and both touching and humorously engaging as Frank Sweeney; Robert Kauzlaric captivates and mesmerizes as Mr. Rice, a troubled, but obsessively motivated physician; and lovely, charismatic Carolyn Kruse is like a breath of fresh ocean air, as she effortlessly draws us into her story as Molly Sweeney." |
The key theme threading through all their stories, which comes through with clean and sorrowful precision in Siiri Scott’s staging... is that seeing someone clearly requires far more than ophthalmic intervention... Kruse’s Molly is the sympathetic heart of the show, as Friel intended. But as the three come closer and closer to understanding what has happened... a sense of clamminess, aching loss, and regret pervades the story, with flashes of sharp-elbowed wit and poetry threaded throughout." |
What this play teaches us, through the lens (no pun intended) of these three characters, is that sometimes things can be too good to be true, and there are unexpected consequences to Molly’s medical miracle. But there is also growth... The acting was incredible and the Irish accents were spot on. The intimacy and quirkiness of the Chopin Theater was perfect for this moody plot." |
Molly Sweeney, the cleverly written play by Brian Friel, tells Molly’s story in a moving series of interwoven monologs by three people. Irish Theatre of Chicago is staging the play now in the manner suggested by the playwright: Each character inhabits their own space on stage and remains there throughout the performance... Siiri Scott’s sure direction keeps the static setting dynamic and her cast of three fine actors works within it to tell this melancholy story." |
Health & Safety: |
Irish Theatre of Chicago is committed to making every possible effort to ensure the health and safety of our artists, audiences, and staff. With the guidance of Actors’ Equity Association, the advice of public health experts, our peers in the performing arts community, and COVID-19 Safety Protocols, we will work to safeguard and nurture the wellness of our staff, audiences, and performers. These protocols are subject to change based on evolving guidance from Actors’ Equity Association, the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and the CDC.
- Vaccinations. All guests will need to be fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine. Please present your vaccination card (electronic photos and copies are acceptable) AND an I.D. when you arrive at the theater. If you forget proof of vaccination, ITC will reschedule your tickets at no charge. - Masking. Masking is currently required for vaccinated audiences and front of house staff. Any patrons or guests arriving without an appropriate face covering will be provided a disposable face mask. - In coordination with the staff at Chopin Theatre, ITC will ensure that all high-touch surfaces are cleaned regularly. There will also be hand sanitization available. |
