(Ben Brantley’s article appeared in The New York Times, 6/9; via Pam Green.)
Seeing a ghost has done wonders for Matthew Broderick. Portraying a widower driven from his home by visions of his dead wife in Conor McPherson’s “Shining City,” a great play being given an exemplary revival by the Irish Repertory Theater, Mr. Broderick turns in his most assured and affecting stage performance in years.
In his Broadway appearances of the past decade or so — in “The Odd Couple,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “It’s Only a Play” — this naturally engaging actor came across as, well, disengaged, as if he would rather have been somewhere else. Now, in the uneasy skin of someone who really would rather be any place other than his own haunted house, Mr. Broderick is utterly, palpably there.