NY Review: "A Doll’s House, Part 2" at Hudson Stage Company
Denise Bessette (as Nora), Kurt Rhoads(as Thorvald) and Mary Stout (as Ann Marie) in A Doll’s House Part 2. Photo credit: Ben Goldsmith
Pia Haas, Contributing Critic - New York
I entered the Whipporwill Theatre, in Armonk, with the proven expectation of seeing yet another brilliantly crafted production by this company. As I took my seat, I was struck by the deliberate starkness of the set; a cement-like room furnished with just two chairs and featuring a rather formidable door!
At the beginning of the play, A Doll’s House, Part 2”, we see this large door glowing with supernatural light. It is the very door Nora Helmer slammed as she left her stifling marriage at the climax of Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House.” Lucas Hnath’s smart and often humorous sequel was written over a hundred years after the original Ibsen play and takes place fifteen years after that fateful door is closed.
After walking out on her banker husband, Torvald Helmer, and her three children, Nora has become a successful novelist, writing books that criticize the oppressive institution of marriage. Recent revelations, however, have put her at risk of losing everything she’s built for herself. A judge, having discovered that Torvald never divorced her, rendering her not only a hypocrite, but a criminal, is trying to blackmail her.
So, with a persistent & startling knock on that glowing door, Nora walks back into her old life. She is determined to persuade Torvald to finalize the divorce he failed to file fifteen years go. This involves plots with both Anne Marie, the maid who raised the children she abandoned, and Emmy, the now-grown daughter who barely remembers her mother.
Old resentments surface and the characters air their grievances with each other. Ann Marie’s resentment of the choices Nora had as an educated, middle-class woman. Emmy’s desire to embrace all that Nora found so stifling in marriage. Nora’s persistence that women should not be defined or limited by marriage, that “one should love and just keep loving.” And Torvald is as confounded by her as he ever was.
"A Doll’s House, Part 2” is riveting. A 19th-century story but the use of modern dialogue engages the audience in this compelling sequel. Under the proficient eye, of Director, Margarett Perry, the interactions and relationships are powerfully, thoughtfully, and subtly acted by this terrific cast of four. The play is beautifully staged and with spot-on timing.
Denise Bessette is a fiery and impassioned Nora. Kurt Rhoads is compelling as Torvald and delivers the sympathetic emotional substance of this defeated, bewildered, man.
Mary Stout is a wonder to behold as Anne Marie. Her physicality, expressive features, and wry delivery amuse and delight us. Rachel Kent portrays Nora’s daughter, Emmy, with fearsome confidence and endearing brashness.
The set by David Arsenault is stark simplicity; consisting of two chairs that were ardently and effusively picked up the four characters and placed where they wished as they reordered and dramatized their relationships. Before each of the five distinct scenes, a character’s name was highlighted in neon on the back wall indicating focus on their side of the story. Andrew Gmoser’s lighting is purposely and appropriately harsh. David Toser has dressed the characters in splendid period costumes, Michael Costagliola’s evocative original music and Deb Gaouette’s properties added to the overall excellence.
“A Doll’s House, Part 2” prompts us to reflect about the choices we make and how we balance our own self-interests with those of the people around us. And, you’ll laugh! A lot! GO! Don’t miss this terrific production!
Performances: Through November 2nd
Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm. October 25th, 26th, November 1st, 2nd, Sundays at 3pm. October 20th, 27th, Saturday, Nov 2nd at 3pm.
Whippoorwill Theatre, North Castle Public Library, Kent Place, Armonk, NY 10504
For tickets and further info: www.hudsonstage.com Or call Brown Paper Tickets 800-838-3006
$40.00 & $35.00 (Students/Senior Citizens) Please inquire about our Group rates for 10 or more.
HSC hotline: 914-271-2811