The Irish are great storytellers, even their American progeny. “En route between vacation and life,” as Michael Walsh begins his solo performance of Between Takeoff and Landing, a momentous event occurs. His Dublin-New York Aer Lingus flight is diverted to Gander, Newfoundland. It is September 11, 2001. Walsh personifies his Irish and Canadian and fellow American companions during the four-day layover, using a rather broad brush for mannerisms and speech (oh, the residents of Eire must snort when they hear Walsh speak dialect), but still shrewdly observing character. Whether it’s the ingenuous Carl of the Gander Elks club, or the ganja-seeking, party-going Siobhan, or the wise-guy New Yorker Ben, Walsh cycles through his multiple personalities with nary a blink nor a costume change. The result is light, warm, and enjoyable.
Like a Northern Exposure episode, stereotypes are both poked fun at and preserved in one fell swoop. To be sure, Walsh’s female impersonations seem to be a channeling of Milton Berle and a straight guy playing gay, but hey – fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the show.
Running time: 75 minutes
Between Takeoff and Landing information and tickets.
