A scene from, New Village Arts’ “The Ferryman,” from left, Nick Daugherty, Dallas McLaughlin, Ben McLaren, Juliana Scheding and Priya Richard.

(Courtesy of Daren Scott)

Jez Butterworth’s epic Tony-winning 2017 play about the Irish troubles, “The Ferryman,” had major runs at large theaters in London and on Broadway. Then the pandemic hit. When theaters finally reopened the much-in-demand drama’s very first production worldwide was in the 100-seat theater at New Village Arts in Carlsbad. It was a coup for the local theater, but also a massive challenge. The play requires 21 actors, well-coached Northern Irish accents, a live infant, goose and rabbit, cooking onstage, dancing, singing and realistic fight choreography. Plus, the play runs three-and-a-half hours. Directed by NVA founder Kristianne Kurner, the production was impressive in its ambition and its scale and faithful to Butterworth’s intentions. It wasn’t a perfect production, but it was a big stretch for a small company that has been doing great things in North County.