The Errant Æsthete

Calling it a “thinking-person’s alternative to ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ as a flagon of Christmas cheer,” Conor McPherson’s new play revolves around a bunch of drunk poker-playing guys holed up in a house in Dublin on Christmas Eve with none other than Satan himself. “As unlikely as it sounds,”writes Ben Brantley, “The Seafarer may just be the pick-me-up play of the season.” [...] And the far-fetched plot is easy to believe, thanks to the appropriately shabby costumes and set, stellar acting and “the liveliest, funniest dialogue yet written by Mr. McPherson, who usually specializes in reflective arias.” (For example, “Shining City.”) The ending does have a dose of Capra cheer, but, Brantley writes, “you don’t have to believe in it to be moved by it. Besides, transporting acting like this has an amazing grace all its own.” [NY Times]