REVIEW: ‘Ibsen’s Ghost’ finds Charles Busch in fine form
Photo: Ibsen’s Ghost stars, from left, Thomas Gibson and Charles Busch. Photo courtesy of James Leynse / Provided by Print Shop PR with permission.
NEW YORK — Charles Busch is a theatrical legend. Catching one of his plays, hopefully with him offering one of his unique drag performances in the central role, is a performative rite of passage. Some of this reviewer’s fondest New York memories are enjoying Busch’s comedic creations on stage, including Die Mommie Die! and The Divine Sister, to say nothing about his big Broadway hit The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife.
Now, Busch is back with a company he loves — Primary Stages — for a new comedy, this one about Henrik Ibsen and the struggles his widow faces after the famed playwright’s death. Ibsen’s Ghost: An Irresponsible Biographical Fantasy continues through Sunday, April 14, at 59E59 Theaters in Midtown Manhattan.; the show premiered earlier this year at New Jersey’ George Street Playhouse.
In the play, Busch portrays Suzannah Ibsen, the widow of the famous scribe behind such legendary fare as A Doll’s House and An Enemy of the People, which is playing now in London’s West End and on Broadway. In her mourning, Suzannah must deal with a host of problems, including Wolf (Thomas Gibson), who Henrik fathered with another woman, and a publisher named George Elsted (Christopher Borg), who seems dedicated to the playwright’s legacy but may be cutting a deal on the side. There’s also Jen Cody as Gerda, a maid in the Ibsen household; Judy Kaye as Magdalene Thoresen, Suzannah’s stepmother; Jennifer Van Dyck as Hanna Solberg, who apparently knew Henrik quite well; and Borg playing double duty as the Rat Wife.
Ibsen’s Ghost hums along with devilish lines and pitch-perfect line delivery from the talented cast. Busch is a master of looking at the audience, curling one lip and eliciting laughter. His rolls of the tongue on various words is the stuff of poetry, and Suzannah is one of his most winning creations. Elevating the proceedings is Kaye, theatrical royalty in her own right, and she’s hamming it up for as many laughs as she can earn as Magdalene.
Carl Andress, a frequent Busch collaborator, is economical with the two-act play, which runs just shy of two hours. He slows down the pace a bit compared to Busch’s other shows, which often lean heavily on the farcical side of things. This one has farcical features, like the opening and closing of doors, but the conversations go slightly deeper, and each character receives ample time in the spotlight.
The character of Gerda feels a bit unfunny and out of sequence with the rest of the players, but this misfire is balanced out by the hilarity of the Rat Wife and Hanna. Still, Busch’s Suzannah shines the brightest. As a playwright, he is a strong wordsmith, but it’s the delivery that rules the day. He writes plays knowing that a talented cast, including himself, can sell the lines with skill and wit.
Ibsen’s Ghost is another solid entry in the long and impressive résumé of this theatrical legend.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Ibsen’s Ghost, written by and starring Charles Busch, is directed by Carl Andress. The cast also includes Jen Cody, Christopher Borg, Judy Kaye, Thomas Gibson and Jennifer Van Dyck. Running time: two hours with a 15-minute intermission. A Primary Stages production running at 59E59 Theaters through Sunday, April 14. Click here for more information and tickets.
