Review by Katrina “Kat” Reynolds
The High Holy Day (bka St. Patrick’s Day) is upon us and Falcon Theatre’s ode to my motherland is its production of Crocodile Fever by Meghan Tyler. Set in late 1980s Northern Ireland (the time of The Troubles), two sisters reunite after more than a decade and must confront their family’s disturbing past.
The Production Team
Producing Artistic Director Ted Weil serves as the show’s director along with Assistant Director Faith Von Handorf and they do not fail to keep the momentum up. There is a lovely mastery of quieter, more reflective moments against the chaotic ones. Scenic Design also done by Mr. Weil is utter perfection. While it appears to be a simple enough set of a wee portion of a modest Irish home, the details are many. (Particular praise for the Irish proverb on the wall of the kitchen which also graced my own kitchen as a wee one.) Lighting Design by Chad Brinkman serves as an excellent complement to the set and the play’s action.
Special shoutout to Dialect Coach Kate Glasheen for her work with the actors. Northern Irish accents are tricky and while there are some noticeable weaknesses, the actors are more than passable. As the daughter of an Ulster native who knows how quick their speech patterns can be, I do advise the actors to overly enunciate so no dialogue is lost.
The Performing Artists
While Crocodile Fever is a cast of four performing artists, the heft of the work is primarily the responsibility of the Devlin sisters. However, Bob Allen and Ben Dudley hold their own and deserve recognition as important ensemble members. Bravo to the two lads!
Taking on the role of Alannah, the pious older sister, is Samantha Joy Weil. Per usual, Ms. Weil makes embodying even the toughest roles look easy. She excels at realizing the physical paralysis and the myriad of thoughts crowding Alannah’s brain as she struggles to convey sometimes the simplest of emotions. The way she makes herself small in the moments of maintaining her proper image against the moments where she defies the rules and takes up space is a beauty to behold.
Sharing wonderful chemistry with and matching her fellow actor’s efforts every step of the way is Alaska Dunn as Fianna. Ms. Dunn is an incredible performer who seamlessly amalgamates herself with the rebellious young woman who returns to her home in the interest of trying to find some peace with her older sister. Fianna has been away for eleven years for a variety of reasons (no spoilers here) and even with her tough exterior, it is clear she longs to reignite the connection she once had with the only family she wishes to acknowledge. Ms. Dunn’s command of the stage is strong and she needs to grace many more of them.
The Sweet and Lowdown
It is no coincidence that many black comedies are Irish; that’s just our brand of humour. But Crocodile Fever feels different in that the sisters are given space to discuss the subjects usually swept under the proverbial rug. (Spoiler alert: be sure to keep an eye on what else you find under that rug.) While the action is in a very specific part of the world during a very specific timeline, this is not only for those of us who know a true shamrock from a four-leaf clover. We have all had to maintain certain appearances in the interest of being “right” or “good”, whether it is due to religion or politics or other upbringing. Further, suppressing the need to let loose now and again usually tends to do more harm than good. No matter who you are, being reminded you do not have to deal with all the heaviness alone can make an incredible difference to how your story ends.
Get Tickets to Crocodile Fever at the Falcon
Falcon Theatre’s Crocodile Fever runs now through March 28th. For tickets and more information about the production, please visit here.
