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Regional Reviews: Connecticut and the Berkshires Regional Reviews by Fred Sokol Ether Dome Also see Fred's review of Evita
The story, which the playwright began to research nine years ago, begins in 1846. In Hartford, Dr. Horace Wells (Michael Bakkensen), a dentist, and his student William Morton (Tom Patterson) are taking out a woman's tooth: see blood! Wells soon learns that nitrous oxide or laughing gas might effectively work as an anesthetic. Morton gets to Boston where, at Massachusetts General Hospital, doctors are contemplating methods of easing pain for patients undergoing surgery. Dr. Charles Jackson (Greg Balla), smart, fidgeting, and eccentric intends to run with one of Morton's ideas liquid ether. Meanwhile, Dr. John Warren (Richmond Hoxie), a dean-type figure who is arrogant and is the leader of Mass General, will not be easily convinced. Wells comes to Boston, tries nitrous oxide, and the results are disastrous. The plot follows Wells as he moves around with stops including Paris, Hartford, and New York City. The avaricious Morton piles up debts, is far from an ideal husband to his wife, "Lizzie" (Libya Vaynberg), and betrays his medical promise. Wells becomes addicted to chloroform and gradually loses his grip on reality. Jackson is the sharp scientist who never quite realizes his aspirations. Warren, for most of the time, exercises control and great authority. He is a man whose mission it is to be in charge. Even so, he will show some compassion. James Youmans' excellent set design assists in moving the proceedings from Hartford to Boston to Paris and so forth. It allows for the competition regarding this potential discovery to accelerate. Toss in dialogue about God and religion, dysfunctional friendship, death, and commentary regarding the medical profession and this approximates a theatrical kitchen sink. Neither playwright Egloff nor director Wilson is haphazard; the puzzle pieces are neat fits. With 16 people in the cast, Michael Wilson moves this show along with rapid and appropriate pacing. Since the production began in California a couple of months ago, each person is perfectly attuned to movement. Egloff, when she accepted the charge to write this script, might not have been aware of the awesome task before her. She succeeds in bringing history, through dialogue, relationships, and purpose, to a large stage. Wilson utilizes creative ideas such as positioning actors, from time to time, amongst those sitting in house seats. The theme of the piece, finding an anesthetic which will ease pain, is of vital importance. Where would we be without it? The expository first act is strong and sets up the ensuing production. What follows, in a sense, is more of the same. The story is told in proficient fashion with some flair and the documentation, on live stage, enhances. While important moments are many, this play does not really include high drama one could have anticipated during the first 30 or so minutes. Its evolution is revealing and, for certain, engaging. Ether Dome proves that more is more. I would argue against editing. Yes, it is wordy but so are the works of great dramatists such as Eugene O'Neill and August Wilson. Sometimes, depth is created through extensive dialogue. Much information is out there for the taking. The actors who play the those three individuals vying for the breakthrough finding are all convincing. Hoxie, as Warren, grasps the man's temperament and is a powerful ruler. Character, plot development, and history interweave. One leaves feeling better educated. In this case, live performance is the precise genre and one appreciates theater elements as they coalesce. In all, this is a large, sustaining production and one which is most satisfying.
- Fred Sokol |
