Wheelhouse Theater to Stage Unique Rendition of AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE

 

Wheelhouse Theater Company has announced their unique rendition of the Henrik Ibsen classic, AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE, directed by Jeff Wise.

AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE will play a three-week limited engagement at the Gene Frankel Theater (24 Bond Street). Performances begin Friday, June 9 and continue through Saturday, June 24. Opening Night is Friday, June 16 (8 p.m.). $18 tickets are available at anenemyofthepeople.bpt.me.

AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE is a meditation on the foundation of a small town's democratic system, the tyranny of the majority, and the poisoning nature of bureaucracy and economic self interest. When Dr. Thomas Stockman makes an alarming discovery, the water supply to his small town's healing spa baths is poisoned with dangerous bacteria, causing significant illness to those that utilize the facility, he is eager to share the share the news with his brother Peter, the town's mayor and Chairman of the Board of Baths. Relieved at the life-saving discovery, he prepares a manuscript, which is met with significant resistance, first by the Mayor, then by the editors of the People's Messenger, and ultimately by the town as a whole. In the end, as Dr. Stockman declares, "the strongest man in the world is the man who stands alone."

The production stars Michael Schantz* (Othello, NYTW) as Thomas Stockman, Ben Graney* (War Horse, The Heidi Chronicles) as Hovstad, Craig Wesley Divino* (Breathing Time, From White Plains) as Peter Stockman, Stacey Linnartz* (God Of Vengeance, TBG) as Mrs. Stockman, Joshua David Robinson* (X: Or, Betty Shabazz v. the Nation, The Acting Company) as  Aslaksan,  and Christina Toth* (Lazarus, NYTW) as Petra. *Performing courtesy of Actor's Equity Association.

The production features scenic design by Brittany Vasta, costume design by Christopher Metzger, and lighting design by Drew Florida. Carly Levin* is the production stage manager.

AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE plays the following regular schedule through Saturday, June 24: Wednesdays at 8 p.m.; Thursdays at 8 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; and Saturdays at 8 p.m. There is an additional performance on Monday, June 12 at 8:00pm and on Saturday, June 17 at 2:00pm. Running Time: 90 minutes (no intermission).

Tickets are $18 and are now available online at anenemyofthepeople.bpt.me. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the theater's box office ½ hour prior to performance. For more information, visit www.wheelhousetheater.com.

Henrik Ibsen (Playwright) was born on March 20, 1828, in Skien, Norway. In 1862, he was exiled to Italy, where he wrote the tragedy Brand. In 1868, Ibsen moved to Germany, where he wrote one of his most famous works: the play A Doll's House. In 1890, he wrote Hedda Gabler, creating one of theater's most notorious characters. By 1891, Ibsen had returned to Norway a literary hero. He died on May 23, 1906, in Oslo, Norway.

Jeff Wise (Director) is an actor, director, producer and founder of Wheelhouse Theater Company. With Wheelhouse Theater Company Jeff has directed Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar and the world premiere of DANNYKRISDONNAVERONICA by Lawrence Dial. He co-produced the critically acclaimed world premiere In the Room with Slant Theatre Project. In NYC he as directed productions of Henry IV Part 2 (Access Theater), Hamlet (Gene Frankel), BACK (Walker Theater), and Dear Penthouse (Schubert Theater). Stage credits include Hamlet, Lend me a Tenor, Pajama Game, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, BACK, Three Sisters, Six Degrees of Separation, Bus Stop, and La Ronde. Jeff received his MFA in Acting from New York University.

At WHEELHOUSE, we are proud to be an ensemble driven by a collective inquiry and curiosity that deepens our sense of trust and abandon, which allows our audience to delight in the risks that are complicit in the telling of bold stories. Born from a shared enthusiasm for playful collaboration, we are a company of theater artists committed to producing joyful, transformative and highly physical productions. In addition, the Wheelhouse serves as an artistic home base for company members to return and rejuvenate. Past shows: Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet (Davenport Theater), In the Room by Lawrence Dial, DANNYKRISDONNAVERONICA by Lawrence Dial.