4.5 out of 5 stars

Though “The Hairy Ape” is not staged as frequently as some of Eugene O’Neill’s other works, it fits more or less in the playwright’s canon – a drama full of ideas and gritty characters eager to speak to those ideas, often in long, poetic soliloquies. The Irish Rep gives “Ape” all its due in a ferociously energetic and edgy production, directed by Ciarán O’Reilly, that never lets up for its 90-minute duration – almost to the point of being too ferocious. However, the real joy here is watching Jon Beavers devour the lead role of Yank, an O’Neill character for the ages.

At Irish Rep, through Nov. 15, 2026; irishrep.org.