The beauty of watching a dramatic play with a small cast, is watching the interaction between players — even the ones not directly in the action. Are they reacting, acting or living in the moment?

The latest production at the PCPA Theaterfest, “The Weir” is a small drama that takes place in a small country pub in Northern Ireland. So it makes sense that the production would be presented in the intimate Severson Theater.

And being in a small theater setting, one can closely see all the actors working their craft, which the cast of “The Weir” do quite well.

The play was written by Conor McPherson and directed by Patricia M. Troxel.

Two regulars — Jack, played by Peter S. Hadres, and Jim, guest actor Evans Eden Jarnefeldt — come in to spend time with the proprietor Brendan, played by Jerry Lee.

The three have an easy rapport with each other, whether they are arguing or laughing with each other. Hadres plays Jack as a crusty old coot, who in a roundabout way shows he has affection for both Jim and Brendan.

They await the fourth character, Finbar, a man who owns a lot of property in the area and is currently accompanying a woman who is new to the area and is renting one of Finbar’s houses.

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Andrew Philpot, who is always steady in any role, presents Finbar as a bit of a rogue and a ladies’ man. Finbar finally arrives with Valerie, played with grace by Elizabeth Stuart.

As the five characters interact, the talk begins to revolve about several supernatural incidents that have taken place in the area.

Stories of possible ghosts and fairies are presented — much to the chagrin of Finbar — who is trying to impress his female guest.

As Act One ends, emotions are high.

The second act features a tour-de-force monologue by Stuart. It is long and heart-wrenching as Valerie tells about a life-changing tragedy that has affected her tremendously. Without rushing through, Stuart is enthralling as she tells her tale. She moves and talks slowly about the incident.

The emotion is seen being felt by everyone in the pub. Some stand mesmerized, while Jim is extremely uncomfortable. Jarnefeldt brilliantly shows Jim’s fear of hearing this monologue, the uncomfortable atmosphere he is experiencing and the utter fascination he is feeling.

After Finbar leaves to tend to business, Jack goes through an emotional revelation that is both gripping and quite moving, as well.

The acting by all is superb, while the scenic design by Abby Hogan is understated but effective.

Lee, as the quiet proprietor and barkeep, shows a tenderness and quiet strength that makes the pub the homey, comfortable, safe place it seems to be.

There is a lot of adult language, which was not really necessary, but not out of character, either.

“The Weir” is a slice-of-life piece that has a peaceful beginning, a powerful middle, and a finish that is neither moralistic nor world-changing. It is a story about things in the past that affects people in the future.

It is worth seeing, just to see five superb actors doing outstanding work.

BOX OFFICE:

“The Weir” plays through Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Severson Theater at 800 S. College Drive in Santa Maria. Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, and 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost $16.25 to $26 for adults, and $10.25 to $17.75 for students and children. For information and tickets, call the box office at 922-8313 or visit www.pcpa.org.

Staff writer Brad Memberto can be reached at 737-1055 or by e-mail at bmemberto@santa mariatimes.com.