4 out of 5 stars

Irish Rep’s presentation of Erica Murray’s “The Loved Ones” checks all the boxes that are hallmarks of this stellar Off Broadway company. It’s a solid play – about a mother in a small Irish town who’s mourning the death of her son and has three visitors unwittingly land in her house at once. It’s performed by a fine cast fully intent on bringing their characters to realistic life. And it’s well-produced, with Nicola Murphy Dubey’s engaging direction leading the way. True, the second act doesn’t go much plot-wise beyond the first, but it also doesn’t settle for a pat conclusion. — Charles Passy

At Irish Rep, through Aug. 2, 2026; irishrep.org. (Review date: June 25, 2026)