The legendary playwright Henrik Ibsen wrote some great stories about women. Were they all his or did someone get in and contribute to the writing? This concept serves as the basis for a new show premiering at George Street Playhouse. Ibsen’s Ghost is billed as “An Irresponsible Biographical Fantasy.” Written by Tony Award nominee Charles Busch, the play provides a story loaded with comedy, interesting characters with actors who are outstanding in their roles. Mr. Busch also stars in the lead role. Carl Andress, who has a long history of working with Mr. Busch directs the show.
Ibsen’s Ghost is enjoying its world premiere at the New Brunswick theater. This play is done in association with Primary Stages at 59E 59 theaters in New York City. It will run at 59E59 Theater March 02 – April 14, 2024. For more information about this New York run, visit their website
This is the final week of performances at George Street Playhouse because the show closes Sunday, Feb. 4. Be prepared to laugh, and also be amazed at the fabulous acting that this show provides. It is very enjoyable to see characters so well developed on stage like you will see in Ibsen’s Ghost.
Now, about the Story
The setting of the play is in Oslo, Norway, June, 1906. We meet Playwright Ibsen’s wife, Suzannah Thoresen Ibsen, the week after he died. After going through her husband‘s state funeral, Suzannah has to deal with a number of situations. Many of them involve the reputation of her husband and his writing.
Someone breaks into Suzannah’s home and steals something that creates concern for her. She also has papers that appear to be letters Ibsen wrote to her. Suddenly, her husband‘s long lost illegitimate son, Wolf, appears. They are instantly attracted to each other making for some funny scenes as they indulge in a May/December romance. Another comical entrance is from Ibsen’s former protégé, Hannah, who is coming through trying to pedal a libelous diary. She claims that the playwright based one of his most important female characters on her.
In addition to some other colorful characters, the plot moves towards trying to determine what is really something Ibsen wrote. Suzannah, who had an early career writing, appears to be able to imitate her husband’s writing style. In fact, the play ends humorously as they realize anything missing from the great playwright’s portfolio can probably be reproduced by one of the women.
Be aware that this is the first run on a show, and there are some rough edges that will undoubted be straightened out. I found the first act to be a little confusing. In fact, it was kind of humorous at intermission. A number of people were standing around talking about what was actually occurring. However, much to the credit of the writer, it does get resolved by the end. In fact, I would call it a happy ending.
But Oh, the Acting and Character Development
There are a lot of over the top character traits on display making for a totally entertaining show. This is one of the best features of this play.
Charles Busch plays the female part of Suzannah Thoresen Ibsen. This part allows his drag background to be put to good use. He dresses in a very matronly black dress costume significant to the time being right after her husband’s funeral. The interplay between Suzannah and the other characters brings the action into focus especially when dealing with Ibsen’s son, Wolf Dahiquist played by Thomas Gibson. There is a large age gap between the two but they become lovers. If it is supposed to be a case of Suzannah missing her departed husband, well that never really comes through. But it is all done with good humor.
Jen Cody plays Gerda, a servant in the Ibsen household. Gerda’s physical disability is very odd and it isn’t nice to laugh at that. But again, the presentation is set in a light tone with Gerda gathering many laughs. Eventually she is miraculously cured. One of the more balanced characters is Magdalene Kragh Thoresen played by Judy Kaye.
Hanna Solberg is played by Jennifer Van Dyck. Hanna is loud and very active. She was a protegee of Ibsen and claims he modeled one of his most important female characters after her. We are never sure but she certainly talks a good game about it. Finally, Christopher Borg plays two roles. The first is that of George Elstad, a family advisor. But the second one is called the Rat Wife where he plays a woman who comes in to the household to provide extermination services. His demeanor in this part is very amusing from his costume to his lines.
Go to see Ibsen’s Ghost
Ibsen’s Ghost is running now through Sunday, February 4, 2024 at George Street Playhouse.
To get tickets, go to the George Street Playhouse website: https://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/events/detail/ibsens-ghost.