ANN ARBOR –
The University Musical Society presents the Druid and Atlantic Theater Companies in four performances of Martin McDonagh's "The Cripple of Inishmaan" from Thursday, March 10 through Sunday, March 13 in Ann Arbor's Power Center, located at 121 Fletcher Street.
In 2009, the New York run of the Druid and Atlantic Theater co-production of "The Cripple of Inishmaan" ran for over three months and was twice extended due to popular demand. Described by The New York Times as "a production that no theater lover should miss," this multi-award-winning production is a brilliant comic masterpiece, complete with suspense and a great deal of heart. Written by Academy Award-winning writer/director Martin McDonagh and directed by Tony Award-winning director and Druid Theater Company founding member Garry Hynes, this production won nine major international theatre awards in 2009 including Outstanding Director, Best Production, and Outstanding Ensemble. Hynes is the first female director to win a Tony Award.
Set in 1934, "The Cripple of Inishmaan" is a savagely funny dark comedy about the life of young Billy Claven, a crippled orphan and resident of Ireland's isle of Inishmaan. When word arrives on Inishmaan that a Hollywood filmmaker is coming to a neighboring island to shoot a movie, Billy auditions for a part in the film, eager to break free of the doldrums of his life – and to everyone's surprise, he is offered the role and moves to America to film it.
"The Cripple of Inishmaan" showcases McDonagh's trademark humor, rich with macabre cruelty, and introduces audience to a host of eccentric island characters, all trading stories within an inch of their lives. An Irish playwright, McDonagh is one of the most celebrated new English-language dramatists of his generation. His first play to be produced, "The Beauty Queen of Leenane," opened at the Druid Theatre Company in 1996 and won the 1998 Drama Desk Award. Other plays to his credit include "A Skull in Connermara" (1997); "The Lonesome West" (1997); "The Lieutenant of Inishmore" (2001); and "The Pillowman" (2003). McDonagh has also extended his talents to the big screen, earning a 2004 Academy Award for his short film, "Six Shooter." McDonagh's 2008 feature film, "In Bruges," won a BAFTA award for Best Original Screenplay.
For tickets or additional information, contact the University Musical Society at 734-764-2538 or online at http://www.ums.org. Tickets start at $18 and may also be purchased in person at the League Ticket Office (911 North University Avenue). UMS Ticket Office hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed Sunday.
