The Banshee (Burbank, CA)
Lacey left his family years ago to travel the roads of Ireland. Now he's come home on a special day, hoping to find reconciliation and forgiveness from the family he left behind. Starring Barry Lynch, an Ovation Award winner for his performance in Theatre Banshee's Of Mice and Men.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
All dates for this event have expired.
The last event was Saturday December 13, 2008 / 8:00pm. (view all dates)
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“What can someone expect from a local community theatre, its production level, small budget venue, and its interpretation of an internationally known drama?” That is the question I might have asked had I actually given thought to it. All in all, I wasn’t expecting much; I was just glad to be treated to some entertainment as a gift from my wife for my birthday. Add to that, the play we saw—The Year of the Hiker—was set in Ireland, which intrigued my ancestral curiosity, being of Irish descent. But, what we found was not some half-hearted production. Sure, the venue was small and aired of local trendiness, but the play was anything but small. This drama was chocked-full of great emotional outbursts, believable and sympathetic characters, staged Irish accents that seemed anything but staged, a culturally authentic set design, and plenty of laughs & tears. This was simply awesome. Well done Theatre Banshee.
A powerful story and a dynamite cast combine to create a knockout evening of theatre. We enjoyed every moment from start to finish! With free, easy parking, and a staff which was inviting and friendly, we feel fortunate to have found this new theatrical gem. We'll definitely be back for Macbeth next year!!
Definitely a must see. Very unique story specially around this time of year where everything is Christmas and here it was not at all but a wedding situation with lots of funny remarks. The acting was impressive and the set up was really good. As many others have said previously it is a great play with a very original theme.
Bravo!!! Prepare to be moved.
If you have seen any shows at the Banshee, you will be familiar with its commitment to quality. The Year of the Hiker is no exception. Excellent production values abound: direction, sets, costumes and cast are all top notch. There is no weak link in this chain. This well written and expertly acted production transports us to 1960 Ireland where we are held hostage and spent by the end of this emotionally charged script.
By John B. Keane, this is a poetic gem that throws a family into turmoil when it must face the anger and hatred for the father and husband whom has abandoned them and decides to return when he learns he is dying of liver disease. On the road for twenty years, he returns, coincidentally, on his daughter’s wedding day after “escaping” from a hospital in England. The family he left behind is forced to deal with the unwanted and unexpected reunion and the feelings of betrayal and pain that have been buried but not forgotten. Can they open their hearts and forgive this man who devastated each of them? One by one we learn the depth of pain each feels.
The cast, led by Barry Lynch, is without weakness. As the Hiker, Lynch, as always, is excellent and is able to garner our sympathy despite his despicable deeds. Lynch is an actor's actor and always stands out. I have seen him in five shows at the Banshee and have never witnessed anything less than excellence.
Josie DiVincenzo is Freda, the aunt who holds the family together and, like Lynch, is a Banshee regular. Freda is the polar opposite of the character DiVincenzo portrayed in the Banshee production of “Loyal Women,” and if you were lucky enough to catch that performance, her range as an actress will truly impress you. Freda’s relationship with the Hiker reveals just how far reaching the pain is he has caused every member of this family. She is superb.
The two brothers, Joe and Simon, played by Shawn Savage and Zack Gold respectively, both have an incredible presence and light up the stage with equally stellar performances. Gold, as the younger brother, who does not remember his dad, nevertheless feels the pain as deeply as his brother, Joe, whom has vivid memories of this man who was his hero. At one point, Joe asks the Hiker “Why didn’t you take me with you?” The line goes through you like a knife, and you feel the pent up pain of a little boy who has had his life turned upside down.
Rebecca Wackler playing the abandoned wife, Kate, with a quiet intensity gives a performance guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye when she confronts the man whom has made her life a hell for twenty years. I can only say you will be moved by her vulnerability.
The newlyweds, daughter, Mary, and son-in-law, Willie, played by Amanda Deibert and Robin Leabman, while only on stage in one or two scenes, both sparkle and add to the overall quality of this production.
Arthur MacBride's set expertly exploits the small Banshee space and made me feel like an intruder in this family crisis (I especially appreciated the fact that the walls did not shake when doors were closed).
Having seen six shows at the Banshee, I have come to expect excellence and this production did not let me down. Director, Sean Branney has an incredible ability to get the very best from each and every actor. Each production I have seen at the Banshee is better than the one before it. Make sure you get to see this show. You will be moved.
My wife and I both loved not only the show but the venue as well. The Banshee is an incredibly intimate stage, bringing the audience face-to-face with the actors, where you are literally only a couple of feet from the stage. Be warned, however, that being so close can be quite intense when watching a dramatic piece like this. I saw more than one person fanning themselves with their programs at some dramatic moments, and it was not because the temperature was high.
You will love this show and the venue. I have never taken the time to write a review before, but I felt compelled to share this wonderful production. If you get there early, and I suggest you do, you can enjoy a meal or a coffee across the street at Urban Eats (at intermission be sure to enjoy a Banshee Brownie. They are delicious). There is also ample parking and I found a spot just two doors down on Magnolia. I look forward to hearing impressions from others of this show. Enjoy.
A wonderfully layered story full of emotion! The acting is great as it always is at the Banshee. The sets are practical and perfect. Sean Branney is an excellent director. Go to the Banshee for great theatre! I'm always satisfied there.
You need to add a sixth star to your rating system for this production.
This was an AMAZING production that left most of the audience in tears by the end. The acting was brilliant and the play was so moving. Kudos to The Banshee Theatre for having such great work and finding such great actors!!
When attending any community theatre, there are always some great acting to enjoy as well as weak performances in every production. That is the nature of community theatre and can be expected. But this production breaks the mold and does not have any weak performances by any of the cast members. I will definitely be looking and booking any upcoming performances held at this theatre.
Thoroughly enjoyable performance, moving and thoughtful. Acting superb, small theater venue. Kudos
J. B. Keane is one of our best Irish playwriters and authors and little known outside Ireland mostly because he will only be published by Irish publishers not by the large publishing houses out of London. He wrote the movie "The Field". I enjoyed the play " The Hiker" very much and will go back to the Banshee. I was born in Dublin.
Great acting!
relly excellent acting, highly emotional and moving
This is an excellent show and the acting is superb! I highly recommend it.
One of the best plays I've seen in a long time. The actors really inhabited the characters and the two sisters portrayed a true-to- life situation. Sets, costumes, everything was great.
a beautifully performed play. too bad it finished its run.
I've seen my share of bad acting and bad productions. This was a real pleasure to behold, strong in almost every area and the negatives are not worth mentioning.
Although this was last performance, hopefully others will see it in another venue. Actors: excellent and really fit parts physically and emotionally. Interesting and compelling story with main aspects that grabbed me and my wife.
An excellent production with stellar performances from all of the actors (and, particularly, those who portrayed the hiker, the aunt, and the son Joe).
The script might fall into the "kitchen sink drama" category (like William Inge and early Arthur Miller). However, it never falls into the pit of melodrama, nor does it gush into a spring of sentimentality.
A balanced, lyrical play--powerful monologues.
Overall, a well-paced, well-directed production.
Go see it!
Great show sprry it is not running longer
This play was very well written and really well-acted. We truly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to everyone.
The Banshee (formerly The Gene Bua Theatre) is an award-winning, fully equipped and renovated 80+ seat venue. Gorgeous and comfortable, the theatre is located in a safe, lovely neighborhood near studios. Private parking and handicapped access are available.
Lacey left his family years ago to travel the roads of Ireland. Now he's come home on a special day, hoping to find reconciliation and forgiveness from the family he left behind.
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