4 out of 5 stars

Leo McGann’s “The Honey Trap” is a play that works on many levels – as a drama that examines the period of conflict in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles, as an exploration of post-war traumatic stress and as a murder mystery of sorts. Fortunately, it generally succeeds on each of those levels, thanks to smart casting choices in this Irish Rep production. In particular, Michael Hayden delivers a searing performance as the central figure – a man indeed haunted by his wartime past. But this two-acter loses some steam in the second half, with an unnecessarily slow build to the climactic scene. — Charles Passy

At the Irish Repertory Theatre, through Nov. 9, 2025; irishrep.org. (Review date: Sept. 28, 2025)