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| Christopher Dinolfo and Mike Innocenti star in Keegan Theatre New Island Project's production of "Mojo Mickybo." (Photo by Raymond Gwienek) |
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Pre-performance music from the soundtrack of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” telegraphed what the audience was in for with Keegan Theatre New Island Project's production of “Mojo Mickybo.”
But this particular story of male bonding was set in early-1970s Belfast, when two youngsters - one Catholic, one Protestant - still had the opportunity to become friends.
Playwright Owen McCafferty knows of what he speaks, having grown up in Northern Ireland during the period. And the play that results gives the two main characters a chance to show their versatility during an energetic production.
Christopher Dinolfo and Michael Innocenti - not Irish surnames, but they will be forgiven - not only regress in time to play the two eight-year-old friends, but also use great mimicking skills to portray a host of neighborhood characters, from parents to the community tough-guy whose nickname can't exactly be printed in a newspaper. (Those shocked by the use of expletives throughout haven't seen much contemporary Irish theater.)
It is a physical production, with the two actors in constant motion around the stage. But the focus remains on the use of language to paint a picture of a friendship that, given the period, is doomed to destruction.
At a single act and running time of not much more than one hour, the show has the good sense not to linger past its welcome. Director Eric Lucas's work is creative and taut.
A good night out.
“Mojo Mickybo” runs through Feb. 3 at Theatre on the Run, 3701 South Four Mile Run Drive in Arlington. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinne on Feb. 3.
Tickets are $15-$20. For information, call (703) 892-0202 or see the Web site at www.keegantheatre.com.
