The Cripple of Inishmaan is an outrageously dark comedy set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland in 1934. As word is spread by Johnnypateen – a man who mistakes gossip for news – that a Hollywood movie is going to be filmed on the neighboring island of Inishmore, young Cripple Billy wants desperately to be in the film. Cripple Billy is determined to cross the sea, audition for the director, and, hopefully, be whisked away to America. As word of his plan spreads throughout the rumor obsessed island, the inhabitants of Inishmaan quickly resent Cripple Billy’s audacity of hope. In this wonderfully unpredictable play, playwright Martin McDonagh gives us a world in which people are comically mean-spirited and resentful of anyone who hopes for a life that makes their lives look small by comparison. McDonagh writes in the tradition of the best Irish tales, with biting humor and a strong dose of reality.
Directed by William Cunningham with set design by Amber Primm, lighting design by Michael Harvey, and costumes design by professor Jane Hillier-Walkowiak.
This production contains adult language and subject matter and is intended for mature audiences.
Showtimes: Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm
Tickets: $20 general/$15 seniors and students 18 and above/under 18 admitted free
Salem residents receive free admission at the Friday, October 20 performance with ID.
Purchase tickets at: salemstatetickets.com or 978.542.6365