Blarney at the Boulevard Theatre

Joe, Ray and Frankie do go on in their Irish brogues in Conor McPherson’s This Lime Tree Bower. The three characters spin their yarns in long speeches, but this is a real play, not a series of monologues.

The Boulevard Ensemble opened it Wednesday evening. At first, Donald Madden (Joe), Marty Macnamee (Ray) and Rachel Lewandowski (Frankie) talk at us rather than act. But as the play goes on, their subtle interactions change the dynamic of the piece. And we change our role, from observing audience to mute fourth character.

The structure has a lot to do with that shift. The characters tell their individual stories in part to piece together the whole story. In that, this Irish tale has a Tarentino aspect, as apparently disparate strands weave together in unexpected, yet plausible ways. That’s what makes this a play; they’re telling their stories to one another as much as us. We’re just another mate in the room, listening in mute amazement. Mark Bucher’s effortless direction helps it work, notably with the simple device of moving an actor out into the house of the tiny Boulevard, the fourth wall tumbles down. We’re in the room with these people.

This Lime Tree Bower is a rippin’ good yarn, told in the frankest language. These characters don’t spare themselves in their assessment of humanity. The tales touch on young Joe’s coming of age and encountering shocking disillusionment in one swoop; of a waitress’ sudden, startling impulse to criminal action (all in a good cause); of a jaded young academic’s loathing of himself and everyone else; the offstage characters that McPherson draws so vividly in words; and all manner of personal history and psychology that put our trio in jeopardy but finally redeem them.

On opening night, the men tripped over lines and now and then let their generally convincing accents go a little out of focus. And

they still hadn’t completely  settled into the intimacy the play needs. The scale required here is that of barroom conversation, and sometimes the blokes gave speeches. That’s too big. They got better and better as the evening wore on, which bodes well for the rest of the run.

Lewandowski got Frankie exactly right. She’s a flesh-and-blood sort of girl who doesn’t over-think anything. Lewandowski made her a lithe, comfortable physical presence, without moving much at all. Her quick, irresistible laugh put you in Frankie’s corner, and that is surely McPherson’s intent. Lewandowski made us see the ideas form in Frankie’s brain as they seized her bright, expressive features. You could tell in an instant that she would not turn back from her craziest idea, because she’s the kind of girl who doesn’t turn back.

Good thing. Without that crazy idea, McPherson wouldn’t have much of a story. And this is one hell of a story.

This Lime Tree Bower runs through April 1. Call 414 744-5757 for tickets, and visit the Boulevard Ensemble’s website for further information.