By Katherine Beeson
An Irish man’s life is celebrated with a traditional Emerald Isle funeral in West Bend Theatre Company’s latest production, “Flanagan’s Wake.” The show is directed by Robb Bessey.
. Musical director is Janice Westphal (who also plays the fictional music director Tara O’Doul.)
Dear Flanagan has gone to meet his maker and his family and friends gather to send him off with a wake to end all wakes. This interactive production welcomes the audience (the American cousins who traveled from across the “big pond”) to the village of Grapplin and shows them exactly how the Irish mourn their dearly departed.
Upon arrival, audience members meet the residents of the village. They all receive a nametag – in this place all men become “John” and all women are “Mary” followed by their real names. The editor of the village’s newspaper hands out programs, cleverly designed as copies of the Grapplin Village Gazette (published “occasionally.”) The guests, seated at pub-style tables, are offered soft drinks or more substantial beverages and then the fun begins.
The cast interacts with the audience from the beginning and will search for willing “marks” – people they can call on during the show. (No one is forced to participate; everyone is able to just sit back and enjoy the shenanigans.)
Music is an important part of this show and the audience is given the lyrics of many songs so that they can join in with chestnuts such as “Danny Boy.”
The ensemble cast is a group of true Irish mourners in every sense of the word. Plan on having the best time at a funeral – it’s a fun night and I am sure Flanagan was sorry to have missed it.
“Flanagan’s Wake” runs through March 19 with evening and matinee performances. The show takes place at the West Bend Masonic Center.