Review of “The Weir”

I wanted to update “Lavender” readers with a little insight on Out of the Mist Theatre’s production of The Weir. We have an interview with a couple folks involved with the production available here, but since I attended on opening night at The Local on Nicollet, I wanted to provide a little more insight.

First and foremost, this show is a yes for me. It’s a unique dinner theater experience at a couple of great restaurants. The play itself is conversational, funny, grief-laden, and just a little bit spooky. The cast is solid: Bruce Abas as the wealthier-than-thou Finbar, Lois Estell as the easy-going Valerie, Carney Gray as the garrulous Jack, Ian Hardy as the bashful Jim, and Jon Stentz as the steady bartender Brendan. I was especially impressed with Ian Hardy’s emotional interpretation of Jimmy and Estell’s ability to communicate her character’s personality early despite her limited speaking time.

Director Michelle Schwantes, Stage Manager Carney Gray, and Costumer Lissa Miller created something special with The Weir. The cozy set is inviting, the costuming easily communicates what kind of person each character is, and the staging occasionally pulls the audience directly into the action. There are so many good choices made in this production.

The Local surprised me by being an ideal location for this show. I’ve only ever eaten on their patio, so I was surprised and delighted by all the nooks and crannies in the bar. The Weir was staged in an intimate banquet room with low, arched ceilings that give the room a rounded coziness reminiscent of a Hobbit hole.

I do have one recommendation (aside from the implicit recommendation to see the play) for anyone who plans to attend:  arrive closer to door opening than the showtime. I arrived about forty-five minutes before the show started and I wish I’d given myself more time to eat before the show began. Audience members are welcome to eat during the show, but I would have felt less awkward sneaking a dainty bite of cake here and there rather than chowing down my half-finished entrée throughout the show.

The Weir ran through last weekend at The Local on Nicollet and will return this coming weekend across the river at Sweeney’s in Saint Paul. Showtimes and venues are listed below.

Sweeney’s Saloon (96 Dale St. N., St. Paul, MN) are as follows:

Aug. 29 at 7:30 PM
Aug. 31 at 7:30 PM
Sept. 1 at 2:00PM