4.5 out of 5 stars

It’s remarkable how much ground David Ireland covers in “Ulster American” — from Hollywood egos to identity politics to the Northern Irish conflict known as The Troubles. It’s even more remarkable how the playwright does it with such keen satirical sensibility. Perhaps most impressive: how Ireland’s script comes to life in this Irish Rep production, which gives Matthew Broderick what’s arguably the definitive Matthew Broderick role. With hilariously uncanny timing, Broderick plays a self-important American actor, though director Ciarán O’Reilly deserves credit for properly milking the yuks. The play has some flaws, but when you’re laughing this hard, who cares? — Charles Passy

At Irish Rep, through May 10, 2026; irishrep.org. (Review date: March 15, 2026)