on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage
by Conor McPherson
directed by Ciarán O’Reilly
with Matthew Broderick,
Colin McPhillamy, Michael Mellamphy, Andy Murray, and Tim Ruddy
After losing yet another job, Sharky has returned home to Dublin to build a new, sober existence with his cantankerous elder brother, Richard, recently blinded in a drunken accident. But it’s Christmas Eve, and the drinks are flowing as old friends convene for an annual game of poker. This year, an immortal stranger from Sharky’s past arrives, raising the stakes to eternal consequence.
Written by Irish Playwright Conor McPherson (The Weir, Shining City), The Seafarer premiered at London’s Royal National Theatre in 2006 and was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Play. It premiered on Broadway in December of 2007, where it was nominated for four 2008 Tony Awards, including Best Play. This will be Matthew Broderick’s second production with Irish Repertory Theatre, the first in McPherson’s Shining City in 2016, hailed by The New York Times as “his most assured and affecting stage performance in years.”
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“Ensemble acting of unanimously high quality…a masterpiece.” – Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal
“Broderick delivers one of the finest performances of his career” in this “first rate revival.” – Charles Isherwood, The Financial Times
“A solid, entertaining revival… O’Reilly is clearly having a grand time with his ensemble, who play off each other with bounce and ease.” – Sara Holdren, Vulture / New York Magazine
“This Seafarer offers a lucid and straightforward reading of a play that seems to grow only richer with increased acquaintance” – Ben Brantley, The New York Times
“[This production] delivers the mordant laughs, tragic pathos, and the possibility of hope and redemption in even the bleakest of situations.” – Deb Miller, DC Metro Theater Arts
“Nigh-perfectly directed by Ciarán O’Reilly” – David Gordon, Theatermania
“Irish Rep’s vibrant production teems with life…a compelling, often quite funny reckoning with lost souls.” – Patrick Maley, Exeunt NYC
“Director Ciaran O’Reilly… demonstrates a clear affinity for the playwright with this authentic-feeling and well-acted production. The ensemble delivers fully lived-in performances.” – Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
“The size of the Irish Rep means you very much feel as if you are there, with the wind howling and the tense drama rising—with natural and engaging performances from each actor.” – Tim Teeman, The Daily Beast
“The Seafarer comes laden with good qualities: vivid performances, believable boozing and, of course, McPherson’s gorgeous dialogue.” – Helen Shaw, Time Out New York
“Matthew Broderick…delivers a damned fine performance” in this “top-notch production” – Michael Sommers, New York Stage Review
“Some of the best ensemble acting carrying on these days is hopping on the Irish Repertory stage. It’s the kind of acting that defies acting and just is.” – David Finkle, New York Stage Review
“The Seafarer operates on both metaphoric and literal planes, leaving a satisfying whole ripe with complexity.” – Jacob Horn, CurtainUp
“A terrific new revival… this Seafarer will amuse you and chasten you in equal measure.” – David Hurst, Talkin’ Broadway
“A well-crafted and well-played tale—so much so you totally forget the passage of time while it unfolds—this production of “The Seafarer” needs to be on everybody’s must-see list.” – The Epoch Times
