McSwiggin’s Pub is a slight pleasure, but a pleasure nonetheless. Sean O’Brien’s one man show features three characters in a D.C. bar discussing politics and life, and provides gentle and entertaining humor unlikely to offend audience members of any political persuasion.
We meet Howard, a cynical semi-retired New York native; Roy, an idealistic young Hill staffer who wants to believe he’s important; and Joe, the Irish immigrant bartender. We hear their joint conversations and a separate monologue from each.
The reason the political humor works is that their views are expressed through likeable, well-rounded characters with a life beyond politics. Howard makes some political points drawing upon his childhood upbringing, and the fact that Roy was recently jilted by Mandy leads to a discussion of Internet capabilities and some cheesy music renditions.
While McSwiggin’s Pub may be a little slender to support an evening out by itself, it would be a nice accompaniment to a meatier Fringe dish as part of a double feature.
- Running Time: 35 minutes
- Tickets: McSwiggin’s Pub
- Remaining Shows: Sun, July 13 at 3 . Wed, July 16 at 6:30 . Sat, July 19 at 9 . Sat, July 26 at 5 . Sun, July 27 at 4.
- Where: Cole Studio, 1714 15th St NW (Rear)
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