REVIEW: Deliciously Twisted and Surprisingly Funny "Hedda Gabler"

Anyone who ever studied literature or theatre knows this sad truth: there aren't a surplus of meaty female characters in the literary world. Oh, sure, you occasionally get a Lady Macbeth, but the juicy female roles are limited. The character of Hedda Gabler, however, is so meaty that you'll soon be too stuffed to take another bite. The play Hedda Gabler, performed brilliantly by the North Coast Rep in Solana Beach, offers a look into the mind of a complex and layered woman as she struggles with her reality. Even though this is a classic and well-known narrative, this world-premiere adaptation will keep you on the edge of your seat as you root for Hedda to win... or maybe to lose. It's hard to be sure.

Originally written by famed Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen (and translated for North Coast Rep by Anne-Charlotte Hanes Harvey), Hedda Gabler offers a slightly disturbing portrait of a young woman who enjoys playing games with other people's lives. And why does she play these games? Manipulate people, make them uncomfortable and afraid of her? Is it for some personal gain or to make those in her life indebted to her? No, when asked about her meddlesome extracurricular activities, Hedda simply states, "I'm bored." And thus is the beauty of Anne-Charlotte Hanes Harvey's translation of Hedda Gabler. What starts as a simple game to fill young Hedda's time turns into a dark and tragic path for the titular heroine... or perhaps antagonist is a more apt moniker for Hedda. 

Starring Mhari Sandoval as Hedda, North Coast Rep takes a character often portrayed as evil or cruel and turns her into a sympathetic woman filled with inner turmoil and pain at being powerless. Hedda Gabler takes place in a villa in the center of a fashionable Norwegian town in the late nineteenth century. Filled with fear of being controlled in her loveless marriage--but equally afraid of any "scandal" that may surround Hedda taking ownership over her future--Hedda is prone to lashing out at those around her in a beautifully subtle yet snarky fashion.

As a result, those in her life often treat Hedda with a startlingly amount of trepidation, from her new husband Jörgen Tesman (played as a clueless and awkward academic by Bruce Turk) to his timid yet kind Aunt Juliane Tesman (the unwittingly funny Cristina Soria). Poor sweet Thea Elvsted, the naive and almost childlike former classmate of Hedda's, bears the brunt of her ire. Played by Mel House, Thea has the misfortune of falling in love with a former flame of Hedda's and in doing so suffers endless manipulations.

Ray Chambers, playing Hedda's high-class and debaucherous friend Judge Brack, is a standout performer throughout the show. With a smug amount of charm that oozes from his lecherous pores, Judge Brack's bantering relationship with the coy Hedda is memorizing and perhaps the best part of the surprisingly funny play. Known as a drama with many dark themes, Hanes Harvey's translation has a surprising amount of levity. Though the jokes are rather dark and the sense of humor is often cynical, it's hard to resist chuckling along to this version of Hedda Gabler. 

The production also features North Coast Rep veteran Richard Baird as Eilert Lövborg, Hedda Gabler's naive and pupply-like former suitor, and Rhona Gold as Berte, a skittish maid who has worked with the Tesman family for years. 

The lavish sets, complete with ornate furniture inspired by the turn of the century, were created by Marty Burnett. Matt Novotny's lighting was intense and dramatic. The costumes, designed by Elisa Benzoni, were beautiful period ensembles littered with lace and large buttons. The gentlemen all looked debonair, while the women were dressed in stunning floor-length gowns. 

This is yet another stellar production from Solana Beach company North Coast Rep. Don't miss Hedda Gabler, which runs until June 26th! Tickets are available at the North Coast Rep website.