NEW PLAY THE CANNIBALS OF McGOWER COUNTY OFFERS THRILLS AND CHILLS AT THEATERWORKS HARTFORD
By Kiersten Bjork (August 11, 2026)
The Cannibals of McGower County is a breathtaking new play by Drew Larimore currently onstage at TheaterWorks Hartford. Directed by Jen Wineman, the production is packed with thrills, chills, and dark humor, all set against the background of a Southern Gothic tone.
Lindalyn and Viola are old friends and veteran salvagers, picking through an abandoned barbecue restaurant in McGower County, Texas. Without giving away too much, as you’ll want to experience these surprises as they come, when a surprise interruption brings an estranged family member into their midst, what ensues are a string of tragic events, fueled by secrets, trauma, and the ghosts of the past.
The Cannibals of McGower County is a breathtaking new play by Drew Larimore currently onstage at TheaterWorks Hartford. Directed by Jen Wineman, the production is packed with thrills, chills, and dark humor, all set against the background of a Southern Gothic tone.
Lindalyn and Viola are old friends and veteran salvagers, picking through an abandoned barbecue restaurant in McGower County, Texas. Without giving away too much, as you’ll want to experience these surprises as they come, when a surprise interruption brings an estranged family member into their midst, what ensues are a string of tragic events, fueled by secrets, trauma, and the ghosts of the past.
Constance Shulman and Annalee Jefferies in TheaterWorks Hartford’s The Cannibals of McGower County (Curtis Brown Photography)
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Edward Hoke and Gus Birney in TheaterWorks Hartford’s The Cannibals of McGower County (Curtis Brown Photography)
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Overall, I was captivated by the production, on the edge of my seat as the events unfolded, holding my breath with each suspense-filled heartbeat as more and more was uncovered. The moments of violence (Michael Rossmy, fight director and intimacy coordinator) are especially powerful, and it really gives this show a sharp edge to it–this is a play with teeth.
Annalee Jefferies is a powerhouse as Lindalyn. She draws you in with each word, digging deep and truly capturing the shifting, volatile nature of the character. It did seem that early on she was struggling a bit with the dialogue, but once she hit her stride, it was a powerful performance.
Constance Shulman gives us a fascinating take on the role of Viola, who swings between child-like energy, a guilty conscience, and a festering anger. Shulman explores the depths of each facet of Viola, taking the audience along on this wild ride, in the best way.
Gus Birney is a sweet, charming Sarah Nell. Birney portrays the young Sarah Nell as in love, and yet clearly bearing a deep sadness, twirling about the stage one moment before collapsing in the next. She expertly handles the rapidly changing tones of the piece. Jefferies, Shulman, and Birney have fantastic chemistry in their duo and trio scenes.
Edward Hoke gives a fine performance as Blaze, the swaggering, wealthy new love of Sarah Nell. Hoke did seem to be shifting in and out of the Southern accent at times, which was a bit distracting.
Scenic design by Tim Mackabee is incredibly detailed, bringing us right into the world of McGower County via the abandoned shell of the former barbecue restaurant. From the bent and broken blinds on the windows, to the faded marks on the walls when items are removed, to the layers of set dressing, it’s a wonderful setting for this complicated story.
Lighting designer Jiyoun Chang amplifies the story through lighting shifts, and the practical lighting and neon signs in the restaurant are a nice touch. Alejo Vietti’s costume design is also excellent, clearly evoking the characters’ histories, temperaments, and traumas through their garments. Wig design by J. Jared Janas is likewise well done. Sound design by Bailey Trierweiler is solid throughout, and I found the sound and musical choices in between scenes to be nice touches.
Annalee Jefferies is a powerhouse as Lindalyn. She draws you in with each word, digging deep and truly capturing the shifting, volatile nature of the character. It did seem that early on she was struggling a bit with the dialogue, but once she hit her stride, it was a powerful performance.
Constance Shulman gives us a fascinating take on the role of Viola, who swings between child-like energy, a guilty conscience, and a festering anger. Shulman explores the depths of each facet of Viola, taking the audience along on this wild ride, in the best way.
Gus Birney is a sweet, charming Sarah Nell. Birney portrays the young Sarah Nell as in love, and yet clearly bearing a deep sadness, twirling about the stage one moment before collapsing in the next. She expertly handles the rapidly changing tones of the piece. Jefferies, Shulman, and Birney have fantastic chemistry in their duo and trio scenes.
Edward Hoke gives a fine performance as Blaze, the swaggering, wealthy new love of Sarah Nell. Hoke did seem to be shifting in and out of the Southern accent at times, which was a bit distracting.
Scenic design by Tim Mackabee is incredibly detailed, bringing us right into the world of McGower County via the abandoned shell of the former barbecue restaurant. From the bent and broken blinds on the windows, to the faded marks on the walls when items are removed, to the layers of set dressing, it’s a wonderful setting for this complicated story.
Lighting designer Jiyoun Chang amplifies the story through lighting shifts, and the practical lighting and neon signs in the restaurant are a nice touch. Alejo Vietti’s costume design is also excellent, clearly evoking the characters’ histories, temperaments, and traumas through their garments. Wig design by J. Jared Janas is likewise well done. Sound design by Bailey Trierweiler is solid throughout, and I found the sound and musical choices in between scenes to be nice touches.
Constance Shulman in TheaterWorks Hartford’s The Cannibals of McGower County (Curtis Brown Photography)
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Annalee Jefferies in TheaterWorks Hartford’s The Cannibals of McGower County (Curtis Brown Photography)
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The Cannibals of McGower County is a play that will have you waiting with baited breath for the big reveal. You can feel the undercurrent of tension and suspense from the very first moments. It’s a fascinating story, and it’s delivered with a level of slowly simmering rage that threatens to boil over at any moment. As the playwright says in the note in the program–“Buckle up?”
The Cannibals of McGower County plays July 30 - August 30, 2026, at TheaterWorks Hartford in Hartford, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets for upcoming performances at twhartford.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 527-7838.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
The Cannibals of McGower County plays July 30 - August 30, 2026, at TheaterWorks Hartford in Hartford, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets for upcoming performances at twhartford.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 527-7838.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.