Play Review: Little Thing, Big Thing

Originally published 9/6/15

Little Thing, Big Thing is a show on the road, imported to Theater B at 59E59 Theaters from Fishamble, The New Play Company via Dublin. Little Thing’s two main characters also quite literally remain on the road throughout the play, searching for an elusive character who awaits the delivery of a mysterious film roll. Throughout an adventure spanning the globe from Nigeria to Ireland, which concerns themes of greed and exploitation of world resources, we are treated to masterful character performances by Donal O’Kelly and Sorcha Fox. O’Kelly also authored the play which finds its direction at the hands of Jim Culleton, Artistic Director of Fishamble: The New Play Company. As soon as the action begins, we see that this group intends to hold nothing back for sake of propriety, as Larry, a small-time crook played by O’Kelly, continually colors our ears with obscenities. O’Kelly fluently blends this grittiness into a humorous likability, while Fox’s Martha - a nun on a mission to deliver the highly-prized film roll - serves as an excellent counterpart who also shines comedically, with hints of tear-jerking vulnerability. Intersecting events find these two paired on a path that keeps the audience’s attention glued to the stage.

The minimal set consists primarily of two chairs, while cage-like metal fencing serves as a see-through backdrop wrapping the perimeter of the stage. The concept of backstage does not exist in this show, and there is no downtime for these actors as they work constantly at giving context to each and every second of their time on stage. O’Kelly and Fox slip back and forth between their main characters, as well as the other characters they meet on the way to their destination. They continually weave in descriptions of every external action taking place, painting visually detailed context for the audience. It is a true pleasure to watch this vibrantly disciplined artistic maturation of the childlike imagination that drives aspiring actors and writers to the theater. With the blueprint of an airtight script, the actors capture and channel a spontaneous joy and realism, presenting a polished gem of a performance. The thespians tell a story that waxes and wanes from moments of lighthearted bickering between the main characters to thrilling escapes and pursuits of what becomes their increasingly harrowing journey.

When fortune favors the characters in this show, we rejoice with them. When tragedy ensues, we mourn as though they were our best friends. O’Kelly and Fox succeed by no small measure in carrying this minimalist show to its conclusion in maximum detail, revealing the harsh realities implicit in political and social scandals worldwide. This is in large part a result of O’Kelly’s writing and choice of subject matter, as well as the execution of his quick-turning script on the part of both actors. In the mood for theater that excites and entertains, leaving you in awe of not only the entertainment and technical skill of the actors, but ultimately the poignancy of a powerful message? Go see this show.

Little Thing, Big Thing runs through September 27th in Theater B at 59E59