Review: 'A Doll's House' at Hole in the Wall Theater

Dedicated to the memory of Dr. Nancy M. Cappello, a woman who spoke all over the world mandating change to the status quo

New Britain, CT - Hole in the Wall Theater has chosen to launch a production of Henrik Ibsen’s play A DOLL’S HOUSE, a work set during the Christmas season in 1879 Norway. Steven Siemiatkoski, the director of the Hole in the Wall production, admits that he had probably not read the piece since high school. Nevertheless, Ibsen’s play was on the director’s bucket list of shows and he discovered upon reexamining the play a rich subtext and depth of characters that he wanted to explore.

“Ibsen’s message still resonates today. That we are all human beings. That society should be questioned. And that the greatest duty one has is to one’s self. Many gains have been made for human rights since the late 19th century and yet there are still battles fought every day. I believe in our better selves.” - Steven Siemiatkoski, Director

The character of Nora Helmer is the protagonist, a young woman living the the late 1800s. The role of Nora, a “doll” living the life of luxury, is brought to life marvelously by Emily Gray. Mrs. Helmer’s primary struggle in the three days surrounding the Christmas holiday is against the selfish and oppressive attitudes of her husband Torvald and the society that he represents. For me, the best part of the performance was watching Nora’s awakening after her husband’s severe and selfish reaction to the climax of the play’s action.

Ms.Gray is a recent graduate of Western CT State University; I saw her play Jenny in the WCSU production of COMPANY and she also appeared in many WCSU productions. While she has been in two HITW shows, this is her first major production with the company. This young actress brought an admirable maturity to the character of Nora. Her performance was for me the best part of the three acts.

Carmine Lavieri, a teaching artist with Oddfellows Playhouse and New Britain Youth Theater, did well with the role of the overbearing husband Torvald. Mallory Spencer took on the role of Nora’s schoolmate Christina. Jordan Wassil played the low-key villain Nils Krogstad in his fifth production as an actor at HITW and Scott Hoffman returned to this stage to “tackle some Ibsen” and play the role of the genial Dr. Rank. Melanie Cox played the dutiful housekeeper Ellen and Nicole Morin appeared briefly as Anna the nanny of the (never seen) Helmer children.

The play was produced by Warren Dutkiewicz and Luis Marrero. Mr. Dutkiewicz will be directing the upcoming spring production of A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE at Hole in the Wall. Technical director Bill Arnold designed the set with the director serving as scenic designer; Johnny Peifer was in charge of props and set dressing. There were some fine pieces of period furniture that set the time and place in the well-appointed Helmer apartment and there was a Christmas tree that Nora decorated with poinsettias. Costumes by Kate Micari-Miller were true to the period but could have been hemmed and altered to fit the actors a bit better. Lighting by Mike Figiel worked pretty well, but the piano synching could have been more coordinated for the Tarantella rehearsal (choreographed by Melanie Cox) scene.

A DOLL’S HOUSE is presented in three acts with two intermissions. Holiday music played as people took their seats. Pay what you can night was quite well-attended and seating is open.

The play runs through December 8. $20 general admission and $15 for both students and seniors. HITW is located at 116 Main Street in New Britain, across the intersection from Trinity on Main. Park in the garage just past the Police Station.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle.She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.