GHOSTS Seattle Rep April 6, 2022 Eclectic Arts
GHOSTS
By Henrik Ibsen
Translated from the Norwegian by Paul Walsh
Directed by Carey Perloff
Seattle Rep
Seattle, WA
Opening Night Review: April 6, 2022
There was an energy of great anticipation in the air as opening night for the drama, “Ghosts” finally came to be on April 6th. The material by Henrik Ibsen (as translated by Paul Walsh) paired with the headlining cast created quite the stir amongst the Seattle theatre community.
With well known actors Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, David Strathairn, and Thom Sesma leading the way, the Bagley Wright theatre at Seattle Rep was filled with theatre veterans and newcomers alike discussing the show before it even began.
“Ghosts” is such a rich story that it is one of those plays that lingers with the viewer long after one has left the theatre.
The plot surrounding a dysfunctional family that in many facets repeats its own history is a fascinating look at themes that were quite controversial in their day (and in some cases in the present day as well). As most readers know, I’d rather a patron witness any play without plot spoilers from any of my reviews.
The master class that Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio put on was worth the price of admission alone. After the multitude of plays I’ve reviewed, her performance was the first where I was so captivated by her acting when she wasn’t even speaking. Her response to her castmates' dialogue was stunning to watch. You can only imagine just how powerful her acting was then when she was delivering line after line of precise yet heartfelt dialogue that thrust the narrative forward.
David Strathairn played his character to perfection. The pastor who doesn’t see just how archaic his line of thinking is and that his offers of help are tinged with a backhanded slight was also an incredible sight to behold.
The staging and the musical score from David Couleter was nothing short of brilliant. Such a nuanced use of instruments to create an unsettled feeling all through the production was spot on.
“Ghosts” won’t have you jumping for joy once you leave the theatre. However, it will have you singing its praises for the high level of quality theatre it evokes.
Highly recommended.
“Ghosts” runs through May 1st. Tickets are available here: TICKETS!
By Henrik Ibsen
Translated from the Norwegian by Paul Walsh
Directed by Carey Perloff
Seattle Rep
Seattle, WA
Opening Night Review: April 6, 2022
(Seattle Rep)
There was an energy of great anticipation in the air as opening night for the drama, “Ghosts” finally came to be on April 6th. The material by Henrik Ibsen (as translated by Paul Walsh) paired with the headlining cast created quite the stir amongst the Seattle theatre community.
With well known actors Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, David Strathairn, and Thom Sesma leading the way, the Bagley Wright theatre at Seattle Rep was filled with theatre veterans and newcomers alike discussing the show before it even began.
“Ghosts” is such a rich story that it is one of those plays that lingers with the viewer long after one has left the theatre.
The plot surrounding a dysfunctional family that in many facets repeats its own history is a fascinating look at themes that were quite controversial in their day (and in some cases in the present day as well). As most readers know, I’d rather a patron witness any play without plot spoilers from any of my reviews.
(Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and David Strathairn in Ghosts at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.)
The master class that Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio put on was worth the price of admission alone. After the multitude of plays I’ve reviewed, her performance was the first where I was so captivated by her acting when she wasn’t even speaking. Her response to her castmates' dialogue was stunning to watch. You can only imagine just how powerful her acting was then when she was delivering line after line of precise yet heartfelt dialogue that thrust the narrative forward.
David Strathairn played his character to perfection. The pastor who doesn’t see just how archaic his line of thinking is and that his offers of help are tinged with a backhanded slight was also an incredible sight to behold.
The staging and the musical score from David Couleter was nothing short of brilliant. Such a nuanced use of instruments to create an unsettled feeling all through the production was spot on.
“Ghosts” won’t have you jumping for joy once you leave the theatre. However, it will have you singing its praises for the high level of quality theatre it evokes.
Highly recommended.
“Ghosts” runs through May 1st. Tickets are available here: TICKETS!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts
Connect with Eclectic Arts: Social Media Links Here
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