KEVIN’S BED
By Irish playwright Bernard Farrell, directed by Andrew Barnicle, at Laguna Playhouse, Tuesday to Sunday through May 14; $21-$40. Call (949) 497-2787
Those who have a passing acquaintance with Irish culture will get extra laughs from this production, but anyone can relate to the baggage associated with family reunions and the generation gap. The story centers on the golden anniversary celebration of Doris (Carol Mansell) and Dan (Redmond Gleeson), who valiantly try to avoid a recurrence of their silver anniversary, which they believe was ruined by grown son Kevin (Patrick Lawlor), who is still very much his parents’ beleaguered and complicating boy. And his enigmatic Italian wife doesn’t help. Gleeson steals the show with his blunt and very Irish observations throughout. The play’s only glaring weakness is some flashback confusion in the opening act. But the irreverent comedy makes this play one you shouldn’t miss.
,Sandi Cain
