Atlantic's Cripple of Inishmaan Extends Through March 1

The Atlantic and Druid Theater Company’s joint revival of Martin McDonagh’s The Cripple of Inishmaan will extend its limited engagement by a full month, citing critical acclaim and record ticket sales. The transfer production, which opened December 21 at Atlantic’s Linda Gross Theater, was originally scheduled to close on February 1, 2009. Inishmaan, directed by Tony Award winner Garry Hynes, will now run through March 1.

The show currently features original UK cast members Kerry Condon, Andrew Connolly, Laurence Kinlan, Dearbhla Molloy, Aaron Monaghan, Tony Award winner Marie Mullen, Patricia O’Connell, David Pearse and John C. Vennema.

Set in 1934 on an island off the west coast of Ireland, The Cripple of Inishmaan begins as Hollywood filmmaker Robert Flaherty arrives on the neighboring island of Inishmore to film his movie The Man of Aran, stirring excitement in the sleepy community of Inishmaan. For orphaned Billy Claven, who has been relentlessly scorned by the island’s inhabitants, the film represents an escape from the poverty of his existence. He vies for a part in the film, and to everyone’s surprise, it is the cripple who gets his chance.

The dark comedy marks the third collaboration between Atlantic and playwright McDonagh following the company’s critically acclaimed American premiere production of The Lieutenant Of Inishmore, which transferred to Broadway and received five 2006 Tony Award nominations, including Best Play. Atlantic and Druid previously collaborated on the world premiere of McDonagh’s hit play The Beauty Queen of Leenane, which transferred to Broadway and won four 1998 Tonys.

The creative team for The Cripple of Inishmaan features scenic and costume design by Francis O’Connor, lighting design by Davy Cunningham, sound design by John Leonard and original music composed by Colin Towns.