The Phoenix Theatre has already added shows to its run of  The Lieutenant of Inishmore because of strong interest. The Indiana premiere of Martin McDonagh’s comedy will be on the Mainstage Feb. 7-March 9. The award-winning play is described as a cross between Monty Python and Quentin Tarantino, and received the Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 2003.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore is a lightning-paced Irish comedy about a merciless paramilitary who will move heaven and Earth to protect and defend his best friend in the world: his little black cat Wee Thomas. For its hysterically funny dialogue, outlandish violence and bloodshed on stage, The New York Times called this play “appallingly entertaining.”

The Phoenix has hired Waldo Warshaw, who served as weapons master, fight choreographer and blood effects designer for the Broadway production of The Lieutenant of Inishmore. For an entertaining sampling of Warshaw’s work, go to www.showeffection.com. In addition, David Schlatter, a local designer, is creating bloody props, including cat carcasses. Plus, the Phoenix has Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music faculty member Rocco Dal Vera as dialect coach to help the actors create the western and northern Irish accents.

While the play’s message is that you shouldn’t use violence, The Lieutenant of Inishmore contains mature themes and adult language and violence that may be disturbing to some: There are 61 gunshots per performance.

Performances are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25, $15 for those 24 and under. During CheapSeats week, Feb. 7-10, all tickets are just $15. The Lieutenant of Inishmore is the Phoenix’s Free Ticket February offering for ages 16-19 (www.myspace.com/freeticketfebruary). For info and reservations, call 317-635-PLAY or go to www.phoenixtheatre.org. The Phoenix is located at 749 N. Park Ave.