It's usually classified as a dark comedy.

Just to clarify, Tony: That quote is solely talking about the script. The play hadn't even opened when the New York Times wrote that piece. I agree with you, it would be wrong to put "The performances are brilliant." when it's referencing a different production, but quotes about the same script that's being used in a local production are fair game. It's the same type of thing that they do when they publish the playscript. They use quotes from the reviews as well, but only quotes that reference the actual text.

Thanks for the clarification, Andy! That's a whole other animal. I didn't know the NY Times reviewed scripts; I thought they only reviewed actual productions. Question: was the NYT piece a preview of an upcoming NYC production (perhaps of its premier production) or was it just the script? Very rare for a newspaper to review a script.

Certainly not comedy in the broad sense most Americans are used to.  This is a challenging dramatic piece and the director and actors put on a spectacular performance.  The audience leaves feeling conflicted precisely because the script comes from a different cultural tradition.  It is difficult for us to understand Irish fatalism rooted in multi-generational poverty and isolation.

The humor is subtle and allegorical.  The long simmering grudge over a lost tether ball gently mocks the Gaelic stereotype of unending clan feuds.  The pain is as real and current as the Irish "troubles" and small metaphors are a gentle way of adding context and maintaining sympathy for the individuals involved.

So no, not "ha ha" funny.  If you were expecting Ole and Lena you will be disappointed.  It may not even count as a "fun night of comedy."  Fortunately we have a great scene developing for stand up and improv, but this is not it.

Still, sometimes it's good to get out of our comfort zone.  Sometimes it even leads to seeing the world a little differently.