Theater Reviews

Nov 7, 2006 - A superb presentation of Ibsen's "A Doll's House" at Reno Little Theater

By By Jack Neal

For those who believe marriage is hell, Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" offers plenty of ammunition for remaining single.

The classic play about the role women play in marriage and society regarding duty and personal choices, in a superb presentation by the Reno Little Theater, may take on even more credibility today than when it was written in 1879.

The insufferable Torvald, the husband and father of the piece, is so self possessed he doesn't have time – or the inclination – to be either a thoroughly committed or caring husband, or – outside of the expectations of society - a loving father. The vivacious, yet distraught, Nora – the wife and mother of the piece, loves her husband and child, but not herself – at least not enough at first – to make her personal relationships and choices what they should be.

The play's action is propelled by the sinister Krogstad who has loaned money to Nora to make her home and other possessions more upscale. The plot thickens when Nora's husband is made bank manager and boss of Krogstad. Torvald dislikes and distrusts Krogstad and plans to dismiss him from his job at the bank.

Enter Kristine Linde and old friend of Nora's, who has been offered the job Krogstad now has. Add to this mix of turmoil the sexually interested (in Nora) and terminally ill Dr. Rank and "A Doll's House" scorches with intrigue and social commentary. To her credit Nora moves inexorably toward liberation in a time when real women's lib was but a fantasy somewhere over the rainbow of a distant future.

Holly Natwora is Nora and she's superb. Jorge Hoyos is Torvald and he's excellent. Andrew Mowers, a foreboding Krogstad, is properly menacing. Ryan Madison is a forward, pushy and assured Dr. Rank. Camille Abelow is a mousy, effective Kristine Linde. Lisa Svetz is Helen, the house girl, and she's just as obedient as she should be. Hannah Davis is Hannah, Torvald and Nora's child, and she, too, is excellent.

Nancy Podewils is the producer for this exceptional production. This brittle play is compellingly directed by Doug Mishler and he has left nothing to chance. Mishler and Podewil have designed the intimate in-the-round set and it works beautifully. The costumes by Diana Carter, Camille Abelow and Mary Bennett are perfect for every occasion. Andrew Mowers original music enhances the play's action as does Mishler's astute lighting design.

The Reno Little Theater's "A Doll's House" is as close to perfection as any first-rate community theater production can be. It's nothing less than gripping, affecting theater.

The Reno Little Theater's "A Doll's House" can be seen at the Hug High School Little Theatre, at North McCarran and Sutro Streets, Reno, Nevada, November 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 (2006) at 8 p.m. and November 5, 12, and 19 (2006) at 2 p.m. For information call 775-329-0661 or go online at www.renolittletheater.org.