Joe Hanrahan is at it again. The St. Louis actor who revels in one-man plays is offering what is almost a double header at Herbie's Vintage 72. Yes, that's the restaurant. He's using the lower level as the venue for two plays he's done in the past, both by Irish author Conor McPherson.
The plays are "The Good Thief" and "St. Nicholas". Each is done on a different night, a single act that runs an hour, more or less. They're both in the manner of classic Irish storytelling.
"St. Nicholas" is definitely not a Christmas story. Nope. Vampire fans, come hither; this is for you. It's the story of a Dublin theater critic – so probably critics of the media will love this, as well. (See, it's not just American media.) Hanrahan switches off from the critic to a character named William whom he meets in a park in London, flipping back and forth with a vocal acuity that's first-rate. It's good work on an interesting script, although the ending seems a bit wobbly.
"The Good Thief" feels much like a guy in a pub spinning a tale later in the evening after two, or ten, pints. This minor-league henchman eyes his ex-girlfriend, who's now living with the publican whose beer he's drinking, and speculates about what the two do in their spare time. "I hate guys who can do stuff with their hands," he remarks a little later as he discusses a recent assignment. He doesn't seem deeply evil, yet he's as hypnotizing as a snake. We watch and listen, mesmerized, as we wait to see what happens next in his tale.
The room's natural sounds add cred to the feeling of listening to stories told in a saloon, footsteps and chairs moving overhead, the rhythm of a cocktail shaker. And drinks from the bar can be, and are, brought downstairs with the audience members. Each play lasts about an hour or so. Sunday evenings start early because there's live music later in the bar. And do pay attention to the scheduling.
St. Nicholas
one performance remaining Saturday, July 18, 8 p.m.
The Good Thief
Friday, July 17, 8 p.m.; Sunday, July 19, 6.30 p.m.; Saturday, July 25, 8 p.m.
The Midnight Company
Herbie's Vintage 72
405 N. Euclid Ave.
314-487-5305