THE BASICS: The Irish Classical Theatre Company continues its 2022-3 season with Neil Bartlett’s stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic, GREAT EXPECTATIONS. The show plays weekends at the Andrews Theatre through December 11th. ICTC Associate Director Chris Kelly directs a cast of nine, with a number of the roles doubled (or tripled) to accommodate such large-scale storytelling. Interestingly, though, this bare-bones adaptation runs just 2 ¼ hours with its single intermission.
Photo by Mark Duggan/Nickel City Headshots
THUMBNAIL SKETCH: Charles Dickens’ classic coming-of-age tale, adapted for the stage by Neil Bartlett, follows the orphan Pip as he navigates a strange and difficult childhood to become a distinguished gentleman in London with the help of a mysterious, anonymous benefactor. A romantic subplot involves Pip’s long infatuation with the beautiful Estella, the ward of the strange and troubled Miss Havisham.
Q&A:
Is this the same GREAT EXPECTATIONS that many of us read in high school?
Yes, but this version has a notably stripped-down plot, and is missing the expected atmospheric quality so integral to the Dickens book and to other stage and film versions. The action takes place on a nearly bare stage. Adapter Bartlett and Director Kelly juice up the proceedings with a number of creative and anachronistic touches (including quirky costumes and some problematic pop music), and by emphasizing the importance of the ensemble as a whole.
Does this work?
It takes some getting used to. Character differentiation is a problem, especially in the small roles. And some of the dialog gets lost on the Andrews stage. Happily, R. J. Voltz makes such a wonderful Pip that you can forgive this production a whole lot. And kudos to several others in key roles: Lissette DeJesus (Estella), Josephine Hogan (Miss Havisham), Adam Yellen (Joe), Chris Hatch (Magwitch).
Is this a “feel good” show?
There are a few tender moments, but the big emotions here are those of sadness, loss, disillusionment. I can’t say it’s going to get you in a holiday mood, but this GREAT EXPECTATIONS is a product of much thought and care, and should certainly be considered, especially by those who have grown tired of the usual seasonal standards.
*HERD OF BUFFALO (Notes on the Rating System)
ONE BUFFALO: This means trouble. A dreadful play, a highly flawed production, or both. Unless there is some really compelling reason for you to attend (i.e. you are the parent of someone who is in it), give this show a wide berth.
TWO BUFFALOS: Passable, but no great shakes. Either the production is pretty far off base, or the play itself is problematic. Unless you are the sort of person who’s happy just going to the theater, you might look around for something else.
THREE BUFFALOS: I still have my issues, but this is a pretty darn good night at the theater. If you don’t go in with huge expectations, you will probably be pleased.
FOUR BUFFALOS: Both the production and the play are of high caliber. If the genre/content are up your alley, I would make a real effort to attend.
FIVE BUFFALOS: Truly superb–a rare rating. Comedies that leave you weak with laughter, dramas that really touch the heart. Provided that this is the kind of show you like, you’d be a fool to miss it!
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