“A Man of No Importance” A Musical That Celebrates the Courage to Be Seen
Review by Anne Hulegard A Noise Within’s “A Man of No Importance” is a beautifully rendered production that reminds us just how transformative theater can be. Set in 1960s Dublin, this heartfelt and humorous musical follows Alfie Byrne (Kasey Mahaffy), a bus conductor who moonlights as an amateur theater director. Alfie lives for Oscar Wilde and his cherished theater troupe. But beneath his modest exterior lies a secret that quietly pulses through the narrative—illuminating themes of identity, repression, and the bravery required to be truly seen. Kasey Mahaffy as Alfie Byrne and CJ Eldred as Robbie. Photo courtesy of A Noise Within Mahaffy leads the cast in a tour de force performance. His Alfie is a man full of heart and yearning. CJ Eldred brings Broadway-caliber charisma to the role of Robbie, Alfie’s close friend. Juliana Sloan is delightful as Alfie’s well-meaning but overbearing sister, Lily, who is preoccupied with getting Alfie married before she herself can wed the town butcher, Carney (David Nevell). One of the highlights of this work is the riotously funny number “Books,” a comedic gem performed brilliantly by Sloan and Nevell. It’s a moment of levity that illustrates…
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