The plot is very tight and small.  The Weir is set In a small Irish pub where locals Jack, Brendan, Jim, and Finbar gather for drinks. A newcomer, Valerie, joins them. As the night unfolds, the men swap spooky local tales about ghosts and fairies. Valerie then takes us from folklore and ghost stories to a personal, heartbreaking story about losing her daughter, which hits everyone hard. This telling of this tragedy brings all the men together in a new, rather uncomfortable place and leads Jack to open up about his own regrets. The play brilliantly explores loneliness, connection, and how stories bring people together.

I must admit I saw this show years ago when it was on Broadway and I must confess it caught me dozing off several times.  I blame some of this on my immaturity, but I also thought this is one play that should never have been transplanted to the big theatre.  Now I was better able to be still and listen.  This very intimate space made it a much richer experience.  The actors did create a most naturalist relationship with each other and I believed EACH and every moment as it evolved.  When all was concluding, I did wish the impact of the woman’s real life tragedy would have had a more apparent impact on each man – – I just think the play did need to move to this climax a bit stronger.

BUT, the Irish Rep got this play staged in their ultra-intimate theatre where we, the audience, truly felt like we have drawn up a bar stool to listen to the stories.  This is theatrical naturalism at the best.  For the audience that pays great attention to detail and loves a good story you will enjoy your time.  Just picture the last time you sat around a campfire with spooky stories – – now grab a drink or two and pull up a seat.