The Lonesome West

The Lonesome West
By Martin McDonagh
Directed by Ann Bowen
Produced by Mark Forlenza Productions

Nominations: Tom Pavey is nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role; Goran Ivanovski is nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role; and Joan Racho-Jansen is nominated for Outstanding Lighting Design
   photos by Mark Forlenza

About this Production
A satirical tale of a sibling rivalry between two irreverent brothers in the wake of their father’s untimely death. An oft-embattled priest and a precocious deb attempt to quell their troubles in this final installment of McDonagh’s acclaimed Leenane Trilogy.
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What attracted you to this project?

Mark: There are several reasons I was drawn to this project. First and foremost, the director is an important mentor of mine, so I always take the opportunity to work with her when it arises. I'm also a big fan of Martin McDonagh's plays, which made it an easy decision. Plus, I've worked with the cast members in some capacity before and knew it was talented bunch.

Tom: It was the funniest, darkest, most irreverent play I have ever read, which meant I had to try and do it.

Joan: The director, Ann Bowen, has a long, quiet history of incredible work. To be able to even be in the same room with her as she directs is a gift. That I was able to share with her in this process was an honor.

What was your favorite part of this production?

Mark: I'm used to wearing several hats during a production, whether it be an actor, director, or producer. So, it was nice to focus solely on being a producer this time around.

Tom: Without question working with the director, Ann Bowen. Every day she made me a better actor, and a better person.

Goran: Working opposite Tom Pavey

Joan: The ensemble aspect of the company was so positive. Everyone worked, not just for their role, but for the project as a whole. Each one of us had an enormous respect for Ms. Bowen and learned a great deal form her and from each other.

What was the most challenging part of this production?

Tom: Realizing very dark dialogue was actually biting satire, and when done correctly, was hilarious.

Joan: The theatre itself is used for several productions at once. That means designing a piece that could be easily and quickly refocused, struck, and restored to the other shows on a daily basis.

What did you want the audience to take away from your production?

Mark: I want the audience to feel something, whether it is joyous, morose, pensive, etc. And also an appreciation for the great work of an often overlooked playwright.