The eponymous belle is one Anne Malloy (Sarah Gise), an energetic and profane beauty who was orphaned when an IRA bomb struck — collateral damage. She's now being reared by her dotty aunt (Carol Locatell), who badgers the local priest, Father Ben (Daniel Blinkoff), with "confessions" that don't really add up to a sin. It's quite amusing, really, especially when she refuses to leave despite Father Ben's insistence that she do so.
Meanwhile, Anne is a raw nerve with a secret — and then not-so-secret — crush on Father Ben. With little better to do, or so she believes, she shags a local guy, who's the romantic object of her best friend, Clara Murphy (Caitlin Gallogly).
Photo by Betsy Newman
Daniel Blinkoff and Sarah Gise in The Belle of Belfast
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There's a gritty and slightly grotesque ambiance of cursing everything sacred, nicely sustained by director Claudia Weill, which recalls the plays of John Millington Synge. Things get touchy when Anne makes her move on Father Ben, and we enter the territory of infidels.
Father Ben thought his purpose and his devotion to the Church were clear, but they're more confused than he imagined. As in all solid plays, the drama focuses on the choices they make, and don't, and what that says about them. The excellent ensemble includes a terrific performance by Billy Meleady as Father Ben's crusty, alcoholic cohort, Father Dermot.
It's a smart if slightly derivative play that holds its grip with the glue of a good soap opera. What it says about humanity may be slightly obvious, but the production is so carefully crafted, it's all worth the effort.
THE KING OF HEARTS IS OFF AGAIN | Adapted and directed by Piotr Borowski from the novel by Hanna Krall | A production by Studium Teatralne (Poland), presented by the Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., W.L.A. | Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.; through Oct. 14. | (310) 477-2055, Ext. 2 | odysseytheatre.com
THE BELLE OF BELFAST | By Nate Rufus Edelman | Ensemble Studio Theatre/L.A. at Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village | In repertory, call for schedule | Through Oct. 28 | (323) 644-1929 | ensemblestudiotheatrela.org
