Molly Sweeney was first performed in 1994 in Dublin. Its American Premiere was in 1996 at the Roundabout Theatre in New York City. It was scheduled to be produced at The Goodman in April of 2020, but was canceled by the pandemic.  And now, in April 2022, it premiers at The Chopin Theatre.

Molly Sweeney became blind when she was just 10 months old. She is now 40 and living happily without being able to see. She recently married Frank, who is very interested in restoring her sight. He is more fascinated by the idea than she is. Her ambitious doctor is also strongly recommending surgery, especially as a chance to resurrect his career. She isn’t much interested in going through the process, but she is feeling the pressure from around her. Will she go forward with the surgery? Will the results be positive or could the cure be worse than the disease?

The style of this play has each character speaking their own monologue. We go back and forth as they tell their side of the story and they never interact with each other. This is a great play to produce during a pandemic, as the actors are always socially distanced. There is a intermission, which gives a much needed breather to the audience.

Carolyn Kruse (Spinning, My Way Residential) is excellent as Molly. She is the heart of the show and she creates a very likeable character. Mickey Jordan (the understudy) is great as Frank. He vividly portrays him a person who gets very fascinated by new ideas for a while, and then moves on. Robert Kauzlaric is solid as the doctor. He creates a very complex man conflicted by his past and unsure of his future.

As a whole, this production is superb. The story really draws you in as more details are revealed. There are many surprises and you’ll be on the edge of your seating to see what happens next.

Cost of a ticket: $40

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It +

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for Molly Sweeney through May 8^th!

Quinn Delaney