By Ed Lowe
Senior Writer
In its final production of the year, the Goodman Theater is presenting an updated version of Henrik Ibsen's 1879 play, "The Doll House." The play has not only been contemporized, but it has been set in a Lincoln Park condo. Translated into modern idiom and with contemporary references which will attract locals to the dialogue, the play promises to be a huge success.
The new version, adapted and written by Rebecca Gilman and directed by Goodman's artistic director Robert Fall, will be presented in the Albert stage for a run scheduled through July 24. This world premier production focuses on the seemingly perfect life of Nora. Her husband is proving his mettle in banking; she has three beautiful children and, seemingly, nothing to worry about.
But, Nora's apparently perfect world holds a dark secret. How this secret is exposed and how she deals with it are the substance of the play. Nora's life moves from the perfection of her "Doll House" to the reality of the world in which she finds herself. How she copes with those circumstances represents one of the first glimmerings of a Women's Rights movement that has gone on to impact our own society in our own time.
Nora is played by Goodman newcomer Maggie Siff, and her husband, Terry, is performed by Anthony Starke, also a Goodman newcomer. Chicago veteran Elisabeth Rich is making her Goodman debut as Nora's friend, Kristine. Sets are by Robert Brill with costumes by Mara Blumenfeld and music by Richard Woodbury.
The play opened on June 28. Tickets are scaled between $20 and $60. They are available at the Goodman box office at 170 N. Dearborn St. or by telephone at (312) 443-3800. Matinee performances are scheduled for Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. |
