Richard Dreyfuss as Albert Einstein in Relativity at TheaterWorks. Photo by Lanny Nagler.
by Mark G. Auerbach
The stars have come out to play in some of our area theatres of late. You may expect to see the luminaries on Broadway stages, but not often here in the regionals. A year ago, Kevin Bacon opened Rear Window at Hartford Stage. This summer, Judd Hirsch starred in a new play, The Stone Witch at Berkshire Theatre Group, and now, Richard Dreyfuss helms a premiere at TheaterWorks.
What a treat ! A well-written new play by Mark St. Germain, the playwright often associated with Barrington Stage, where a theatre bears his name and TheaterWorks, Hartford’s vibrant off-Broadway style theatre; an Oscar winner, Richard Dreyfuss returning to the stage as Albert Einstein, and thoughtful direction by Rob Ruggiero all add up to a satisfying evening of theatre.
Christa Scott-Reed in Relativity at TheaterWorks. Photo by Lanny Nagler.
In 1902, Albert and Mileva Einstein had a baby daughter. After 1904, the daughter was never seen or spoken of again. St. Germain’s play explores what may have happened to the Einstein daughter, when a reporter, Margaret Harding, comes to Einstein’s home office to interview him, but begins to investigate the whereabouts of the lost daughter. Rob Ruggiero’s direction is well-focused, and the interplay between Einstein and reporter is well-nuanced. A third character, a housekeeper, provides some comic relief to a 90-minute verbal duet that is tinged with intensity.
Richard Dreyfuss has a distinguished film career, from his Academy Award winning performance in The Goodbye Girl to Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, American Graffiti and Mr. Holland’s Opus. He also has impressive stage credentials, having appeared on Broadway in Total Abandon, Death and The Maiden, and Sly Fox. His portrayal of Einstein is simply brilliant. Costumed by Alejo Vietti with wig design by Leah Loukas, Dreyfuss is totally transformed into Einstein. His accent is superb, and Dreyfuss is totally believable as the eccentric genius.
Christa Scott-Reed, Lori Wilner, and Richard Dreyfuss in Relativity at TheaterWorks. Photo by Lanny Nagler.
Christa Scott-Reed commands the stage as Einstein’s inquisitor,m the reporter, who has a story of her own to reveal. She’s a good balance for Dreyfuss and they work so well together. Lori Wilner is great as the housekeeper.
Brian Prather’s set is handsome, and Philip S. Rosenberg’s lighting designs are effective. It should be noted that Rosenberg also designed the lights for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder playing down the street at The Bushnell.
The performance dates for Relativity were extended before the show opened, and ticket sales are brisk, so the show has been extended again into Thanksgiving weekend. Many performances are close to sold out, so order tickets quickly. It’s a good investment in quality theatre and a great chance to see one of our generation’s finest actors chart new ground on stage.
TheaterWorks presents Relativity by Mark St. Germain. Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Christa Scott-Reed, and Lori Wilner. Directed by Rob Ruggiero. Scenic design by Brian Prather. Costume design by Alejo Vietti. Lighting by Philip Rosenberg. Sound design by Michael Miceli and Lucas Clopton.. Through November 27..TheaterWorks, 233 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT.. For tickets: 860-527-7838 or www.theaterworkshartford.org
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Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio.
