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.
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 the show’s ability to balance poignancy with wit.
With a book by the legendary Terrence McNally and a lilting, Irish-inflected score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, A Man of No Importance is based on the 1994 film of the same name. Director Julia Rodriguez-Elliott guides the production with clarity, compassion, and a fine eye for emotional nuance. Music director Rod Bagheri breathes vibrancy into every musical number, while François-Pierre Couture’s ingenious, multifunctional set grounds the play. Angela Balogh Calin’s period-perfect costumes and Tony Valdés’ wig and makeup design bring the characters to vivid life.
The rest of the cast also give standout performances, from Neill Fleming as Father Kenny, to LeShay Tomlinson Boyce, Emily Kosloski, Amber Liekhus, Ed F. Martin, Howard Leder, and Bryce Brock as members of Alfie’s theater troupe, Analisa Idalia as Adele, the mysterious newcomer, and Jack Zubieta as Breton Beret.
“A Man of No Importance” is, in fact, an important play—tender, funny and quietly revolutionary. It asks us to embrace the parts of ourselves we hide, and to recognize the dignity in being seen. It lingers long after the final bow.
On stage through June 1. A Noise Within continues to affirm its place as one of Southern California’s most vibrant theater companies. Performances take place in a state-of-the-art, 324-seat venue located at 3352 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. For tickets and information, call (626) 356-3100 or visit anoisewithin.org. ER
