Don’t be put off by the title of Irish playwright Conor McPherson’s 2000 drama “Dublin Carol,” which is receiving its area premiere courtesy of Quotidian Theatre Company. Thankfully, this is not a remake or parody of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” (Lord knows the world certainly doesn’t need another one of those.) In fact, the only things the two have in common are a Christmas setting and a protagonist who has more than his share of regrets.
The main character in “Dublin Carol” is John Plunkett (John Decker), a lonely old man who manages a funeral parlor in Dublin. John seems like an amiable enough fellow, but he has been long estranged from his wife and children because of heavy drinking and abandoning them for another woman. It is Christmas Eve, and John has just learned that his wife is in the hospital dying of cancer, a dark irony that he fully appreciates.
John attempts to connect with his only visitors that day: his assistant Mark (Michael Avolio) and his daughter Mary (Laura Russell). He makes no excuses for his past behavior, nor does he ask for the forgiveness he feels unworthy of. Rather, he wishes to express the guilt that has been eating away at his soul all these many years.
Decker, who demonstrated a flair for light comedy in Quotidian’s “Pygmalion” and “The Mollusc,” gives a believable and sympathetic dramatic performance here, making John’s overwhelming self-loathing palpable. Russell’s poignant turn as the only member of the family John has had any recent contact with conveys an acute sense of shared history. They are both matched by Avolio’s nuanced portrayal of a young man struggling with his own inner demons.
The production is splendidly directed by Jack Sbarbori, who also did a outstanding job on the set and sound design. (The furnishings and set decorations are flawless.) With “Dublin Carol,” Quotidian once again proves that excellence can be achieved on a meager budget.
If you go
“Dublin Carol”
Where: The Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 13; through Dec. 14
Info: $15 to $20; 301-816-1023; www.quotidiantheatre.org
