Theatre Review: “An Enemy of the People”

The Henrik Ibsen play, “An Enemy of the People,” still resonates as its main character, Dr.Thomas Stockmann, stands alone and hence is the strongest because he does so. Written in 1882, the play features the doctor, who learns that the lucrative bathes in a Norway spa town are contaminated. He wants to tell the truth but others worried about business losses try to curtail his efforts. Thus, Dr. Thompson becomes “an enemy of the people” in this riveting tale.

Boyd Gaines as Dr.Thomas Stockmann and Richard Thomas as his mercenary brother, Mayor Peter Stockmann, are the co stars. Each is magnificent as are Kathleen McNenny as the doctor’s wife Catherine, and Gerry Bamman as the “on the fence” printer and merchants’ association leader “Aslaksen,” whose continual calls for “restraint” pepper humor into the dramatic story. Rebecca Lenkiewicz has done a good job with this version of Ibsen’s work. The play is directed by Doug Hughes. One hundred thirty years after it was written, “An Enemy of the People” remains a gold standard in the telling of a courageous, selfless deed.

You can see “An Enemy of the People” at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre though November 18th.

http://anenemyofthepeoplebroadway.com/