Steadstyle Chicago
	January 2009 Theatre Review by Ruth Smerling
	The Wild Duck Henrik Ibsen’s "The Wild Duck" at the Museum of Contemporary Art Theatre performed by the Court Theatre, is a must see for every Chicago theatergoer.  The hard hitting drama filled with oppression, self-delusion and unbearable truth is about as good as a play can possibly be.  Court Theatre's Artistic Director Charles Newell is thrilled to be taking the helm on this world premiere translation.  Newell, who served as assistant director for Lucian Pintille’s production, says, “I’ve always wanted to return to The Wild Duck, but I needed to be sure that we did so in the correct space and with the current translation.  In Richard Nelson’s brilliant contemporary script we found a translation that fully realizes the classic text’s extraordinary potential for contemporary relevance, and in the MCA’s stunning performance space we rediscovered a location that feels as though it could have been designed especially for this production.” The Court Theatre, often cited as sparse with scenery, had scenic designer Leigh Breslau working overtime to create a perfect work and home environment for the characters to be confronted by how little their lives mean, no matter how hard they try to make a difference.  Newell has the luxury of working with a superb cast, with acclaimed actor, composer and playwright John Reeger at the root of all story’s evil.  Reeger is Werle, a powerful merchant who holds the purse strings on nearly everyone in a small Norwegian town, circa 1890.   Shakesperean Jay Whitaker plays Gregers Werle, his weak, sickly son, who wants nothing to do with his manipulative father once he learns that he’s had an affair with Gina Ekdal (Mary Beth Fisher), a former housekeeper who is now married to the photographer Halmar Ekdal (Kevin Gudahl).  Kevin Gudahl plays a variation of the character he’s become notorious for as the husband who has sold out for little more than room and board and booze.  This time he’s deluded into believing that he is a gifted inventor.  Werle has allowed him to pursue his inventions by loaning him the money to open a photography studio.  Feeling on top of the world, he works, takes photos, accepts all kinds of compliments and has married the woman of his dreams.  They have a beautiful daughter, Hedwig (Laura Scheinbaum) and he never suspects that his loving wife  was once a concubine of the man who owns him.  Part of the reason Halmar thinks he’s divinely blessed is through the machinations of another employee on Werle’s payroll, Dr. Relling.  Classically trained Timothy Edward Kane is ruthless as the physician who delights in leading people to believe that he has some great insight into their character and they can trust him.  He has everyone eating out of his hands and keeps people deluded so that all the sordid details are swept under the rug.  Every one of the characters is a challenge.  Each one has a secret or something to hide.  No one is honest with anyone, there are only levels of lies spanning the gamut from harmless to disasterous.  The excellent performances by this group that also includes Maury Cooper, Henry Odum, Rob Lindley and Eddie Bennett are no surprise.  The story is an old one, but what is fresh, new and dynamic is the explosive chemistry between Mary Beth Fisher and Kevin Gudahl.   Mary Beth Fisher is astounding in the moment the deep secret she’s managed to hide from Halmar is revealed.  In that split second their lives are destroyed she quickly morphs into a woman pushed to the wire, then forced to let the chips fall where they may.  The audience is spellbound and when she exhales and accepts her fate, everyone is dabbing their eyes.  "The Wild Duck," like much of Ibsen’s work, is filled with anxiety, anger, humiliation, and wounded characters who deserve much better.  "The Wild Duck" has a short run, through February 15, 2009 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Theatre,  220 East Chicago Avenue, but tickets may still be available to every performance.  For information and tickets phone 773-753-4472 or visit www.CourtTheatre.org.         About Ruth Smerling Ruth Smerling began work as an entertainment writer while attending the prestigious University of Illinois School of Communications.  She persuaded the school paper to assign her to review the film "Get Shorty," starring John Travolta.  Unfortunately her work was a little too brutal for the UIC paper and that was also her last assignment.  Nevertheless, the need to write and communicate could not be extinguished and fortunately her reviews received a warm welcome by the Editor-In-Chief of College News, Daphne Robinson who named her the Reel Goddess from 1993 to 2003.  Ruth covered film festivals all over the North America and interviewed countless movie stars, directors and authors.  Meeting the French Director Bertrand Tavernier at the Chicago Film Festival was the turning point in her movie reviewing experience.  He presented a brilliant film called "It All Starts Today".  He explained that she loved his films so much because American films are enjoyable, but must sell as much popcorn and Coca-Cola as they do tickets.  Since 2003 Ruth has been submitting controversial and thought provoking reviews to Theatreworld Internet Magazine and is pleased to report that people around the world send her e-mails inquiring about Chicago theatre, actors, directors and productions underway.  Ruth is delighted to be part of the Steadstyle website and looks forward to a long and happy association.