Written by orange• October 8, 2024• 4:43 am• Curtis Theatre, Stagestheatre, Uncategorized

STAGESTheatre presents : A Doll’s House, Part 2 @ Curtis Theatre in Brea – Review

Photo by Francis Gacad

Written by Diana Michelle Robles

A Doll’s House, Part 2 returns home to Orange County, this time to the Curtis Theatre in Brea. Fifteen years after Nora Helmer walked out the door as an empowered housewife willing to leave her awful husband, she rams herself back in. Now, she (played by Brenda Kenworthy) is an esteemed feminist novelist who emphasizes the injustices of 1800s-era marriage in dismay— because she’s still married. Dramatic irony, you’ve done it again.

Story:

The Curtis’ production focused little on anything other than delivery. Dialogue is ultimately what’s most important in a story of this kind, and it was extremely evident that the work was out to ensure that this show would not be dismissed as another marriage story gone wrong. Its predecessor, A Doll’s House (1879) set the bar high as progressive, but Part 2 gives it a 21st century perspective with humility.

However, this show is perhaps not as funny as some may have suggested. It attempts to use curse words as a point of comedy, which feels cheap and ultimately out of place. Are there funny moments? Sure. But I certainly wouldn’t label it a dramatic comedy. It felt very serious.

Acting:

This show’s small cast of 4 was strong, delivering performances that get their character’s perspective across. As a fan of the original play, I was already drawn to Nora’s character, yet Kenworthy’s performance peaked expectations. Her demeanor was confident in a way that seems almost outlandish for the 1800s; however, it is what is so endearing about good ol’ Nora… who’s no longer the little “songbird” or “squirrel” that Torvald would refer to her as. Kenworthy’s of the times, yet modern performance mirrors Nora’s 1800s feminism. Speaking of Torvald, Brian Fichtner did him well… in fact, even redeeming the original play’s deeply unlikeable character and turning him nearly, dare I say, sympathetic. If there was comedy in this show, it came from Jamie Sowers as Anne Marie. Her overstated tone and distaste for the situation were a relief in tense points of the play.

Sidney Aaron Aptaker, as Emmy, Nora’s estranged daughter, brought earnest perspective to the themes of both the original play and this one, personifying the cost of Nora’s personal autonomy.

Set:

The entire play takes place in the Helmer residence, with the famed door at its center. To be Frank, the set was plain, and with a cast of four people, it left the stage feeling empty. Whether that be to mirror the familial emptiness of the Helmers after Nora’s disappearance or not, there really was nothing special there.

Costumes:

The costumes were minimal, as the play was limited to the events of one day. However, they were well put together and close to the era’s fashion. Nora’s red dress seemed symbolic of her daring character.

This production’s performance and dialogue are captivating; they will keep you locked in the whole time. A Doll’s House, Part 2, is easy to follow and perhaps relatable, but it definitely is not an ideal marriage anniversary date.