First-rate 'Quiet Man' speaks volumes about Irish culture

THEATER REVIEW

'THE QUIET MAN TALES'

RECOMMENDED

- Through May 24

- Chicago Theatre Downstairs, 175 N. State

- Tickets, $42.50-$49.50

- (312) 902-1500

Three weddings, one funeral, a war for independence, a bit of spycraft and potential terrorism, several betrayals and one knock-down, drag-out fistfight designed to re-establish manhood. And that's just the start of it with "The Quiet Man Tales," the beguiling world-premiere stage adaptation of Irish writer Maurice Walsh's classic 1935 short story collection -- also the source of the 1952 Academy Award-winning film starring Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne.

The list of what goes on in this play -- now receiving a heartfelt rendering in the Chicago Theatre's Downstairs space -- would not be complete without noting the bouts of drinking, bursts of song, heartbreak, comedy, chicanery, horse racing, displays of friendship and tragicomic mischief that all help to make this tapestry of Irish life, circa 1921, so rich and vivid.

Adapted here by Frank Mahon and Milissa Pacelli, directed with a fine sense of shifting tones by Susan Felder and performed by a large, first-rate cast that captures the time, place, manners and accents of the characters with impressive authenticity, "The Quiet Man Tales" could easily be a miniseries. But the adapters have telescoped a slew of political and romantic machinations into a 2�-hour running time (a few trims might be in order), and there is great pleasure to be had in following the destinies of these complex, often conflicted characters.

The Irish War for Independence is the backdrop for the story, with tensions, as well as unexpected bonds revealed to exist among the English, the Scots and the rebellious Irish. But it's several on-again, off-again romances that are of the essence here.

Paddy Brown (a wonderfully internalized performance by Ron Rains) is the sweet-spirited prizefighter who has been to war, and to America. He is tired of fighting, except for the love of Ellen Roe (deftly shaded work by Cassandra Bissell), the vaguely spinsterish sister kept under the thumb of her wealthy and selfish, tight-fisted brother (Bret Tuomi). Rains and Bissell are no love match at the start, but the two actors beautifully limn the evolution of a marriage in countless touching ways.

Actors Scott Cummins and Karin Woditsch also move skillfully through the many twists and turns of a relationship in which her character proudly closes the door on his seeming flirtations with a cousin, Nuala (Regina Leslie), who played a crucial role as a spy during the war. He sinks into an alcoholic depression. And Nuala goes on to enchant a most decent Scotsman (played by Aaron Christensen) and to make use of an English theater impresario (Eric Leonard) who doesn't realize he has met his match in treachery.

Meanwhile, there is much to enjoy in the buoyant antics of Paddy's pals (Christopher Genovese, Robert Allan Smith and Travis Williams) and one spoiled Scottish girl (Eliza Stoughton).

Although Jeff Bauer's sets and Lindsey Pate's stylish costumes alleviate the distracting space problems of the Downstairs theater, what is really needed here is an architect who can re-envision this basement area with its low ceiling so that the stage and sightlines are more modern and workable.

The theater's dedicated entrance (in the alley just off State Street) and an improvised intermission bar (with Irish specialty drinks doing a brisk business) are pluses. And a pre-show live music segment -- featuring the superb Kathleen Keane (violinist, pipe player and step dancer) and Declan Fahy -- are a treat. Four shamrocks for "The Quiet Man Tales."

Photo: Cassandra Bissell and Ron Rains star in "The Quiet Man Tales" at the Chicago Theatre Downstairs. ;