Booked & Scene

Running through March 22, A Man of No Importance is a heartfelt, poignant, and beautifully staged production that marks Paul Daigneault’s final show as Artistic Director of SpeakEasy Stage—a fitting farewell for the visionary who founded the company in 1992. Based on the 1994 film, with a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, this musical tells the story of Alfie Byrne, a Dublin bus conductor with a passion for poetry, theater, and Oscar Wilde. But beneath his love for storytelling, Alfie harbors a secret—one that, in 1964 Ireland, could cost him everything. What unfolds is a deeply moving exploration of identity, love, and the power of community.

Eddie Shields & Aimee Doherty: The Emotional Core of the Show

Eddie Shields delivers an absolutely phenomenal performance as Alfie Byrne. Raw, vulnerable, and deeply heartfelt, he breathes life into the role in a way that feels both timeless and incredibly relevant. The struggles Alfie faces—of self-acceptance, fear, and longing—are just as urgent today as they were in 1964, if not more urgent in today’s political landscape. Shields’ performance is gut-wrenching in its honesty, making it impossible not to root for Alfie every step of the way. Aimee Doherty as Lily Byrne is equally fantastic. The bond between Alfie and his sister Lily is the emotional core of the show, and the chemistry between Doherty and Shields makes their scenes feel both humorous and deeply moving. Their performances together are chef’s kiss—funny, tender, and full of heart.

Villains Done Right: Sam Simahk & Wyatt Anton

I love a well-done villain, and both Sam Simahk as Carney and Wyatt Anton as Breton Beret brought layers to their roles. Simahk’s Carney is chilling in the way he weaponizes religion under the guise of “concern”—a tactic that, heartbreakingly, remains relevant today. And Wyatt Anton? Absolutely phenomenal. As one of the younger cast members, they held their own, delivering a performance that pulled the audience in. The collective gasp in the auditorium during a pivotal scene between Alfie and Breton Beret was a testament to their acting skills. I cannot wait to see what they do next.

Standout Performances Across the Board

• Kathy St. George (Mrs. Curtin/Kitty)—Sensational. If I could’ve given her a standing ovation for her tapping alone, I would have.
• Billy Meleady (Baldy)—Brought tears to my eyes with “The Cuddles Mary Gave.” Such pure joy.
• Jennifer Ellis (Mrs. Patrick)—A smaller role but full of presence, and her one-liners had the audience chuckling every time.
• Kerry A. Dowling (Mrs. Grace) & Meagan Lewis-Michelson (Miss Crowe)—Brought humor, heart, and seamless transitions between acting and playing instruments.

Actors as Musicians: A Stunning Element

One of my favorite aspects of this production was the way the actors doubled as musicians. While four main musicians anchored the show, many cast members played instruments on stage—flute, recorders, mandolin, accordion, guitar—you name it. The sheer skill required to act, sing, and also play live music is mind-blowing, and this cast pulled it off beautifully. It added an extra layer of intimacy and immersion that made the show feel even more alive.

Set & Lighting: The Perfect Atmosphere

Jenna McFarland Lord’s scenic design transported us straight into Alfie’s world. The stained glass, the church setting—it all blended seamlessly with the heart of the show. And Karen Perlow’s lighting? Perfection. The vintage Tiffany lamp-inspired lights, the chandeliers, the warm glow of the church—it all made Dublin feel real and tangible.

Community & Timeliness: A Story That Still MattersEven though A Man of No Importance is set in 1964, its themes are painfully relevant. The song ‘Books’ hit particularly hard in today’s political climate, where book bans continue to rise. And Alfie’s fear of living as his true self? That struggle still exists, making this story all the more urgent and necessary. This show does not shout; it does not demand. Instead, it whispers, like a prayer or a secret, carrying the weight of every person who has ever longed to be understood. And in that whisper, we hear something unmistakable—hope.

As tears ran down my face during the final scene, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude—for the community Alfie built for himself, for the people who choose love over fear, for the way theater can make us feel seen. This show doesn’t offer a fairytale ending for everyone, but it does offer truth, depth, and hope. And in today’s world, that matters more than ever. At its core, A Man of No Importance is a love letter to the ones who have hidden in the shadows, afraid to take up space. But love, true love, has a way of breaking through—even in the quietest and most unsuspecting of places. As the final note fades and the lights dim, we are left with an unshakable truth: we are not defined by the love we are denied, but by the love we choose to give and receive.