Manhattan Theatre Club's new production of Ibsen's An Enemy of the People is currently in previews on Broadway with a planned opening on 27 September 2012. Last night I got a chance to check out the show and it certainly was better than the last Ibsen show I saw on Broadway... Roundabout's TERRIBLE production of Hedda Gabler in 2009 (starring Mary Louise Parker.) First things first, the show began at 7pm which made me nervous that I was in for a 3 hour plus production. Not so! This new version of the play moves quickly and clocks in at just 2 hours. The play centers on Dr. Stockmann (Boyd Gaines) who discovers that the water in the local baths is contaminated due to poor planning and financial shortcuts taken by his brother the mayor. Boyd Gaines is terrific in the production and really brings a lot of depth to his performance. As the impact of his discovery tears the town and his life apart, Gaines never fails to keep your attention. Originally written in 1882, Ibsen's play still has much to say on the ideas of mob rule, corporate corruption, and the governments that allow and/or facilitate both. Perhaps MTC also saw parallels to the current debate surrounding fracking in the NYC watershed when they decided to revive this play? In any case, here's a chance to see an Ibsen play that is well-acted, thought-provoking, and only two hours long!
Want to see for yourself? Click here for tickets.
No comments:
Post a Comment