“Corktown ’39” at Rogue

This may be surprising to some, but I am not an expert on Irish WW2 history. I was aware that Ireland had a policy of neutrality during the war, but according to playwright John Fazakerly, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) were in talks to receive support from Germany. More than that, they had plenty of support in the United States, and the machinations of that fundraising effort provides the drama of his new play, Corktown ’39, which is currently receiving a compelling and first-rate production at Rogue Machine.

In the Irish neighborhood of Philadelphia known as Corktown, Mike (Ron Bottitta) is preparing for the arrival of a visitor into his home. IRA official Sean (JD Cullum) has arrived to drum up funds from American supporters, with assistance from local group leader Joe (Peter Van Norden). But Sean has another plot in mind as well – hiring a sniper, Martin (Jeff Lorch), to assassinate King George VI at an upcoming public appearance in the States. Mike’s daughter and fellow IRA believer, Kaitlin (Ann Noble), is tougher and smarter than the men around her, but she doesn’t expect to have romantic feelings for Martin, who they may be sending to his death.

Bottitta does fine work as the anxious and irritable Mike, whose parenting is secondary to “the cause.” Van Norden is quite good as Joe, whose earlier militant views are changing with age, and Lorch brings a solemn charm to his role as Martin. Noble is terrific as Kaitlin, crackling with efficient focus as she keeps all the group’s plans moving forward but also not hesitant to stand up for what she wants in her own personal life.

Thomas Vincent Kelly is memorably persuasive as Tim, the one person willing to question Sean’s plans, and Tommy McCabe brings high energy and humor to his role of Mike’s teen son, Frank. Cullum has been a mainstay of L.A. theater for many years, and he’s always been great, but his performance as Sean is superb, one of the best portrayals I’ve ever seen him give. He’s charismatic and chilling in equal measure, able to seem like a reasonable politician in one moment and loudly channeling Hitler in a campaign speech in another. Cullum is very impressive in this show.

Director Steven Robman gets excellent work from a talented ensemble and keeps the pace swift without losing any of the work’s complexity. Mark Mendelson’s scenic design of the family home is handsome and convincing, full of credible detail. Fazakerley’s play is intelligent and interesting, full of historical nuance I’d previously been unaware of. It’s frequently amusing, with exchanges such as this – “I’ve learned to take the long view.” “Well, you would, you’re a sniper.” My only quibble with the script is that the love story gets less time than it needs to be truly effective.

Corktown ’39 is a strong historical drama filled with exceptional actors and is well worth a visit to Rogue Machine (at the Matrix Theatre).

Review by Terry Morgan.