"Hedda Gabler"

September 10, 2010 — I thought my summer theatre season was over until I discovered Theatre Kapow was staging Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" at the Stockbridge Theatre at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire. This is a difficult play and I admire Theatre Kapow's gutsiness in taking it on. They did an admirable job for the most part, but this play is all dialog with little action, so it's important that the actors convey the characters' feelings and motivation. I thought they could have done this more effectively. At times I felt they expended so much time and energy memorizing the enormous amount of dialog, that they didn't give enough attention to studying their characters' personalities. They didn't really bring the characters to life for me.

The multi-talented Carey Cahoon had the difficult role of Hedda. She also participated in costume selection for the play, and has had experience as a director. The costumes and set were accurate for the period and well-done.

Overall, in spite of my complaints, I'm glad I saw this production. I saw one other Ibsen play, "A Doll's House," on Masterpiece Theatre a few years ago, and had always been curious about "Hedda Gabler," the tragic ending of which I was aware of, but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of this presentation.

Ashley's 13th Birthday

September 5, 2010 — My grandniece, Ashley, entered a new phase of life today, the teen years. She turned 13 and her parents threw a party for her, to which I was privileged to be invited. Refreshments were served in the large garage with its tropical theme and tiki bar Ashley's father built. The pool in the backyard was filled with screaming and splashing kids all afternoon. My photos and videos of the occasion can be seen at this link:

http://www.linwoodstreet.com/ashleys13th/

"Ragtime"

August 30, 2010 — I was getting tired. Last Tuesday I drove up to Weirs Beach, New Hampshire for a performance at the Winnipesaukee Players, the next day I made the much longer drive to Tamworth to the Barnstormers, then I had one day at home before beginning the long trek to Colebrook on Friday where I would spend two days at the Moose Festival in Colebrook and Canann, Vermont. I got home Saturday night and was on the road again Sunday to the Peterborough Players for a matinee performance. Today, Monday, after a 110-mile drive, I'm in Whitefield, New Hampshire, for the Weathervane Theatre's production of "Ragtime."

But, as things turned out, if I had reserved the next performance of "Ragtime" on Friday I would have made the long drive on a day when the weather might have been unpredictable due to the effects of hurricane Earl. Or if I had decided to pass on "Ragtime" altogether, I would have missed one of the better shows of the season.

"Ragtime" is based on E. L. Doctorow's novel of the same title. It's a musical with powerful drama set in early 20th Century America. It deals with racism and ethnic prejudice, featuring fictional characters alongside prominent real-life figures of the day, such as Booker T. Washington, Henry Ford, Emma Goldman and others. Robert H. Fowler turns in a terrific performance as the tragic and heroic Coalhouse Walker, a Harlem musician. Ashley Blanchet is excellent as his girlfriend. Simon Fortin is wonderful as an Eastern European immigrant. The rest of the cast is superb, including three child actors. The musical numbers from the original Tony-winning score cover many styles from ragtime to Tin Pan Alley to klezmer.

This show was a great ending to a summer theatre season in which I saw 18 productions, only about three of which were disappointing. I'm already looking forward to next summer.