Written by Brian Friel
Directed by Charlotte Moore
Synopsis: The Irish Repertory Theatre presents Brian Friel's Aristocrats, a touching story of a once powerful and aristocratic family in its days of decline. In the author's most Chekovian play, he examines the Ballybeg "Big House" both in its remembered Heyday and in the era of a heartbreaking social change. Dark memories invade the family gathered for the wedding of the youngest sister as the family tries to escape the seriousness of their situation and the difficult life that awaits each of them as they follow separate paths. Glorious Chopin melodies accompany the memories of the past and the realities of the present as the language flirts with lyricism and skepticism that Friel balances with his particular genius.
NEW YORK TIMES:
"Charlotte Moore has directed a fine cast in a well-paced and low-key staging. "
Read the whole review HERE.
THEATERMANIA:
"Due to its unimaginative direction and uneven performances, The Irish Repertory Theatre's revival of Brian Friel's rich, layered Chekhovian drama Aristocrats is rarely up to the task of the material. "
Read the whole review HERE.
VARIETY:
"In the Irish Rep's meticulous revival, helmer (and company a.d.) Charlotte Moore assembles a dream cast to play the members of this diminished clan, gathered here at the bedside of their dying patriarch to wring their hands over their proud lost heritage and to illustrate Friel's belief in the healing power of storytelling to take a family, a village, a nation through troubled times. "
Read the whole review HERE.
BACKSTAGE:
"Aristocrats has the potential to inspire laughter and maybe even a tear, but in Moore's hurried staging only the former is consistently achieved. "
Read the whole review HERE.
TIME OUT NY:
" The writing is wonderfully observant and sympathetic, but in Charlotte Moore’s workmanlike production, it comes across without great elegance or energy. If you can fortify yourself in advance, however—a stiff mug of Irish coffee might do the trick—there is much to admire in Friel’s account of the fall of a family’s fortune "
Read the whole review HERE.
