An Enemy of the People (Wheelhouse Theater)

See it if you appreciate complex relationships and character development of Henrik Ibsen drama, timeless dramatic political activism, intense emotions

Don't see it if you cannot sit 95 minutes, resent activism by educated, affluent, liberal "elites," vote for personal economics, or deny inconvenient truths

See it if You're up for a wonderfully cast, well conceived, sharply directed & designed production that strips this timely play to its essence.

Don't see it if You prefer your theatre issue-free, thought-free and apolitical, or just really need to be entertained in these turbulent days.

Also Were Ibsen alive today, this is the version of The Enemy of the People he might have written: totally modern, devoid of period constraints and stylized theatrics that pull so many versions of this play into melodrama.

There’s a great sense of immediacy here, the Wheelhouse once again plucking out fresh relevance from classics we thought were set. Jeff Wise’s adaptation is sharp, concise and radical, an effect achieved by cutting the script to its essence and letting it speak.

Characters and motivations are layered and complex, the fine ensemble cast of six rising to the fine direction, at times even playing props and convincing multitudes.

Standouts are Michael Schantz, as a Stockmann ithat’s finally sympathetic and understandable, rather than the prim egocentric whose self righteous madness costs him family and fortune, and David Kenner as his loving but complex Mayor/brother. Lighting, set & costumes are striking & effective. The Wheelhouse has yet to disappoint; congrats to all... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a modern version of a totally relevant Ibsen play about politics, and one man''s crusade to "do the right thing".

Don't see it if You dislike modern staging of classic plays. You are tired of any type political plays.

Also This year has brought a resurgence of classic plays staged to reflect the present state of the world.
At least Ibsen is timeless, no one is offended, and the staging is very appropriate to the action taking place.
Wheelhouse is a master at trimming off the fat, and presenting its plays as works of art, without losing the meaning, or adding unnecessary madness. The actors and set design are perfect!... Read more Read less

See it if you like Ibsen, Enemy of the People, classic theater, great acting in an intimate production

Don't see it if you don't like small productions or Ibsen

See it if you are an Ibsen fan and want to see an updated version of this classic.

Don't see it if political haranguing and rhetoric don't keep you interested.

See it if You want a revisal of a classic play that's still relevant today. You like new interpretations of classic plays.

Don't see it if You want Ibsen's play in its original, uncut version. You prefer more contemporary plays.

See it if You want something thought provoking, enjoy clever user of small space, don't want to see a comedy or a musical

Don't see it if You want mindless entertainment, expect huge productions and staging, if you don't like serious content

See it if You like the classics and don't mind a modernized, succinct version with solid acting & innovative staging in a small (too warm) space.

Don't see it if -You like Ibsen unabridged & w/ more stage elements -Actors yelling for emphasis bothers you. -You don't want reminders of today's politics

See it if you care about current events & like nuanced politics thoughtfully reflected in a classic, cleverly-mounted play (some things never change).

Don't see it if you don't like plays with strong messages about the immutability of human nature, or if you prefer your politics lighter or more humorous.

Also There's a twist at the end that feels a little forced, but that's Ibsen's doing rather than this particular production and cast's.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy Intimate setting; clever staging devices and historic but dated theater pieces.

Don't see it if You enjoy nuanced character development by author and/or performances.

See it if A 19th century play reflecting current politics interests U. Profit vs the common good is a timeless dilemma. Solid acting-clever staging.

Don't see it if Polemical plays bore you. The play is not about unique character and the plot is predictable. If you want a lavish production, this isn't it

See it if A clever, absorbing performance with brilliant direction, staging and acting. A modern take on a classic makes you want to see it again.

Don't see it if looking for a more traditional slower paced performance. Nothing traditional here.

See it if Ambitious experiment adapting Ibsen to relate to contemporary politics. Minimal staging, strong acting, message confusing at times.

Don't see it if Not for viewers who are only interested in an entertaining evening, this play can be intense and thought provoking.

See it if You are interested in classic plays that continue to have relevant social and political themes.

Don't see it if You don't like overly didactic or purposive drama or uneven acting ( the lead, Dr. Stockmann, was passionate; others were very stiff).

See it if Wheelhouse continues to deliver on its mission -- 95 minute energetic performance by talented young actors in an intimate black box.

Don't see it if you want a full 3 hour broadway epic revival with extravagant sets and well appointed restroom facilities.

Also Jeff Wise and co. have streamlined this Ibsen classic as a relevant and passionate dialectic between power and truth, but unlike the childish one-sided hubris on display currently at the Delacorte, this Enemy is a responsible critique that shines unflattering light on the political discourse of both sides of the aisle. Despite many wonderful phrases ("sacred convictions", etc) the play can get speechy at times (Ibsen was not the poet that Shakespeare was.) But those moments fade quickly when the debate rages between the Stockman brothers in terrific performances by Kenner and Schantz; even as the Stockmans become more entrenched in their own positions, the actors' nuanced portrayals reveal the Shakespeare-like complexities of their characters. Jeff Wise has done another great job directing, producing, and even managing the house w/ a smile. Having the ensemble always on stage worked better than it did in DKDV. Disappointed in the final moment which, as in R&J, felt muted, too small.... Read more Read less

See it if New takes on a classic, thought-provoking shows.

Don't see it if You're more of a traditionalist when it comes to classical Ibsen.

See it if Some of the acting is good, mostly from the leading man.

Don't see it if I felt beat over the head with preachy unrealistic dialogue. By the end I couldn't relate to anyone. The production had a few holes.

See it if You enjoy thought-provoking theater with themes and subtext relevant to today's political and economic climates.

Don't see it if You want big sets and fancy costuming, or if you are looking for something light-hearted and fluffy.

Also Show is 95 minutes, no intermission. Theater is very, very warm. Wear light, loose clothing. There is one fan located at the back row of the audience, but they really could use more fans.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy intense drama and thought-provoking political themes.

Don't see it if you don't like intense plays. In the latter part of this play, the actors are screaming at each other in a small theater and it's intense.

Also Kudos to David Kenner for a masterful performance as Mayor Peter Stockman and to Michael Schantz (Thomas Stockman) whose intensity literally made me cower and want to cry!... Read more Read less

See it if You like good solid acting/directing that deals with relevant subject matter by one of the great playwrights and that gets you out in 90mins

Don't see it if If you don't enjoy subject matter that makes you think.

See it if it's all about politics. it's a great play to see the flaws of each individual with their personal interests.

Don't see it if NA

See it if an excellent staging of Ibsen's classic. very relevant moral play.

Don't see it if you want something light and fluffy.

See it if you want a vibrant, intelligent production that feels contemporary. You want to see a source for the film "Jaws" or really like Ibsen.

Don't see it if you want to avoid politically-relevant theatre right now or don't like minimalist stagings.

Also 90 minutes straight through on a beautiful platform stage. Really pleasing staging-- aesthetic, efficient, comprehensible.

Strong acting, especially from Michael Schantz, who helps carry the show during weaker/slower moments.

The writing was great, I enjoyed the translation, and I couldn't believe how apt the scenario was. There were thought-provoking discussions of an individual's duty to the social body (and a horribly wince-inducing eugenicist passage). This play convinced me to give Ibsen another chance. Highly recommended!... Read more Read less

See it if you'll enjoy seeing a classic. (IMO,this is much truer to the original than the recent production of the play by the Barrow Group).

Don't see it if you expect a fully staged production; you can't put up with some weak acting. The lead did a good job, but some other cast members didn't.

See it if You want to see a pared down classic to one act, with messages that are currently relevant, and good use of an intimate space.

Don't see it if You are not entertained by political commentary, you are bothered by some overacting for the small theater size.