Hedda Gabler: Armstrong Atlantic State University

EDITORIAL NOTE: The following review was penned at our request by a contributor. In my role as director of AASU's "Hedda", I did not feel it proper to also review said piece. As such, I asked for one and was obliged. I post it here without revision.
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The Armstrong Atlantic State University Masquers open their 2009-2010 season with a bold choice in Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. It is important to also note that the Masquers are the first University to produce this version since it’s premiere on Broadway early this year. This New York production, adapted by Christopher Shinn, was blasted by New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley as one of the “worst revivals he has ever, ever seen.” Not having the opportunity to see that production, this reviewer was anxious to see if the reviews were indicative of the new adaptation or that particular production.

The paint is still drying on Armstrong’s new theatre. And in recent months, the Masquers have proven that they are much more technically adept at handling their new space than in the first months in which it opened. The audience is immediately intrigued by the fascinating set design by Megan Baptiste-Field. The set, crafted to resemble a cage, makes a powerful statement to the audience long before the performance begins. Equally effective is the lighting design by Tiffany Barnhart. The cyclorama, clearly visible through the wall’s of Hedda’s ‘cage’, shifts and changes color in such an uneasy and sporadic fashion that one begins to feel they are riding the wave of neurosis along with the play’s central figure.

This play, much like any of the great Shakespearian tragedies, requires the director and the company to have plausible options for the lead actor before announcing auditions. The Masquers held an open call for every role, a bold move indeed. The result: Danni Conti as Hedda Gabler. Ms. Conti, a charming young woman, is a fresh face to the Jenkins theatre stage. On this fact alone, Director Eric Kildow should be commended for introducing a new face to the Masquers stage, which from recent shows looks more like a repertory ensemble than the thriving theatre department in which they have become.

Ms. Conti captures the audience’s attention from the moment she saunters on stage. However, after the audiences have had time to focus in on this production’s central figure, one begins to wonder if less would be more. Throughout this production, Conti often appears that she realizes the daunting role in which she has been cast. Also, at times, Conti’s movements and gestures appear as unmotivated as her character’s manipulative and neurotic behavior.

The rest of the cast acts as an efficient, well-cast ensemble. Perhaps the strongest two performances are delivered by two of the show’s leading men. Jonas Boyd (Judge Brack) and Logan Padilla (Tessman) deliver in nearly every moment. Mr. Boyd finds and delivers the humor in Judge Brack. Although, Boyd should be careful of boundaries and not reach for humor that the script simply doesn’t provide. Padilla is the epitome of Tessman. From his initial moment onstage, one would find it hard to believe that this young actor is a freshman. Hillary Kay has an effective presence as the elderly Miss Tessman. To that end, Ariel Pellman must be commended for her age make-up and costume design.

Director Eric Kildow has made bold choices for this piece. He is to be commended for his work. He also answers my questions about Brantley’s 2009 review. This new adaptation is cleanly written and is easily accessible to a modern audience. The responsibility lies on the shoulders of the director. The Masquers involved in this production could not have a better pair of shoulders on which to rest for this educational experience. That said, the aforementioned notes, while true, must be taken within the context that this work IS done within the educational realm. To see students producing such a powerful play will only make them stronger, more confident and better prepared the next time they take the stage. Which, knowing the Masquers’ busy season, should be very soon.