Tuesday, October 7, 1997
Hudson Guild intensifies emotions of the audience
THEATER: Brilliantly acted roles breathe a woman’s destiny to
life
By Dayna Michaelsen
Daily Bruin Contributor
The lights went down on the Hudson Guild’s performance of
Henrick Ibsen’s "Hedda Gabler" Saturday evening to the sound of
loud approval from the audience. The insightful adaptation of
Ibsen’s play shined with vibrancy and delighted a full house.
"Hedda Gabler" is the story of a woman at the
turn-of-the-century whose inability to control her own destiny
frustrates her to the point of barely suppressed violence. Recently
married to the scholarly and often clueless George Tesman, Hedda
finds herself bored and embittered by what her life seems destined
to be. The return of Eilert Lovborg, a passionate man out of
Hedda’s past, sets in motion a series of events that will forever
change the lives of Hedda and those around her.
In adapting and producing the play, director Casey Biggs,
producing artistic director Jack Stehlin, and Jeannine Welles have
done a wonderful job of combining both the tragic drama and black
comedy that characterize "Hedda Gabler."
What could potentially be a dry play on paper gains incredible
depth in all aspects of this production, from its interpretations
to its splendid performances. A variety of elements come to life in
the hands of the Hudson Guild, from Hedda’s need for freedom to
Eilert Lovborg’s precarious grasp on sobriety and
respectability.
The atmosphere in Hollywood’s Hudson Theatre contributes to the
play’s effect. The intimacy of this small theater allows the
audience to feel as if they are actually in the Tesmans’ living
room, enhancing Hedda’s feelings of claustrophobia.
Alyssa Bresnahan gives a powerful performance as Hedda Gabler
and manages to convey the wide variety of emotions that Hedda
experiences throughout the play. She delivers subtle but clever
insults with the same impressive accomplishment that shows in her
more darkly dramatic scenes.
The audience laughs as Hedda delivers barely concealed barbs at
her companions and is left breathless by the intensity that marks
the play’s darker side. The audience often shares inside jokes with
Hedda, as she delivers insults that the intended victims don’t
catch. Hedda’s perverse obsession with controlling another’s
destiny – since she cannot control her own – takes on a life of its
own in Bresnahan’s hands.
As George Tesman, Daniel Nathan Spector walks the fine line
between comically brilliant and annoyingly obnoxious. His
performance fits the role to perfection, as the audience begins to
pity Hedda for being stuck with such a heel.
Robert Cicchini brings Eilert Lovborg to life, adding a dramatic
intensity to his eventual downfall. Eve Brenner is delightful as
Miss Julianna Tesman, George Tesman’s elderly aunt. Her mix of
frailty and humor is truly endearing to the audience. Claudia
Fielding wonderfully expresses both Mrs. Elvsted’s strength and
fragility. And Gary Sloan sneaks through the action as the
underhanded Judge Brack, who plays dirty to trap Hedda into an
unfavorable arrangement.
"Hedda Gabler" marks the launch of the Hudson Guild’s third
season. If what follows is as good as this play, then the guild is
on for a very promising and successful career.
THEATER: "Hedda Gabler" will be playing at the Hudson Theatre
through Nov. 22. General admission is $15, with discounts for
students. For reservations and information call SHOWTIXX toll-free
at 888-566-8499.