Take a man searching for his missing hand, two con artists out to make a few hundred bucks and an overly curious hotel clerk, and the result is A Behanding in Spokane, a hilarious black comedy by Martin McDonagh, the author of The Pillowman, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Lonesome West, The Lieutenant of Inishmore and The Cripple of Inishmaan.
What Is the Story of A Behanding in Spokane?
As this black comedy begins, Carmichael, a man who is missing his left hand, settles into a shabby hotel room. A couple of young con artists have promised to sell him what they claim is his missing hand. Meanwhile, a hotel clerk keeps popping in and saying things seemingly designed to antagonize the other three characters. It's impossible to say any more about the plot without giving away some of the surprises built into Martin McDonagh's clever script.
""Wildly entertaining...[Christopher] Walken's performance is the stuff Tony Awards are made of.""
New York Daily News
Joe Dziemianowicz
""The funniest play in New York...Martin McDonagh is one of the finest playwrights in the English speaking world...John Crowley's direction is smart and sharp.""
The Wall Street Journal
Terry Teachout
""The matchup of Christopher Walken and Martin McDonagh is perfect.""
Newsday
Linda Winer
"“McDonagh has a swift, sure way with words, as well as one of the darkest senses of humor around.”"
Associated Press
Michael Kuchwara
"“A piece of virtuoso storytelling...Walken’s enjoyment is contagious. The audience eats it up.”"
Variety
David Rooney