MARK AUERBACH
HARTFORD – Hartford Stage opens its new season with a new play “Ether Dome”, which it commissioned from playwright Elizabeth Egloff. A co-production with three other important regional theatres (Houston’s Alley Theatre, California’s LaJolla Theatre, and Boston’s Huntington Theatre), and staged by former Hartford Stage Artistic Director Michael Wilson, “Ether Dome” is the true story of the tragic Hartford dentist, Horace Wells, whose short and twisted life is the kind of “ripped from yesterday’s headlines” tale that could be turned into riveting theatre or a powerhouse of a movie.
Horace Wells (Michael Bakkensen) discovered the use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as an anesthetic, and changed the shape of modern medicine, but he lived a short and tragic life. When he took his research to the prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital, and performed a dental procedure, the gas didn’t work, and Wells was jeered at by his colleagues and the creme de la creme of Boston’s medical world. His dental student turned partner, William T.G. Morton (Tom Patterson), became known for the use of ether. Discredited, Wells lived in Europe for a while,and returned to the U.S. addicted to chloroform. While under the influence, he committed a heinous crime. When he came to his senses, and realized what he’d done, he committed suicide in 1848. Meanwhile, Morton, who isn’t as he appears, uses Wells’ work along with that of a chemist to profit from providing painless surgery. He puts the bottom line before the greater good.
Egloff, a Hartford native, writes a panoramic script which is historically accurate, full of references to Hartford and Boston communities, and laced with occasional humor. Michael Wilson’s direction keeps the momentum going, although at three hours, some cutting could have given the evening a tighter edge.
Tom Patterson in Hartford Stage’s “Ether Dome” (Photo by T. Charles
Erickson)
There are over a dozen actors onstage, many playing multiple roles. Wilson choreographs their movements in the ensemble scenes. Although Wells, nicely performed by Michael Bakkensen, is the central character, the performance by Tom Patterson as Morton, Wells student turned partner turned rival, is superb. I was also impressed by Richmond Hoxie as Dr. Warren, founder of Mass General, William Youmans as Dr. Charles Jackson a chemist, Amelia Pedlow as Mrs. Wells, and Liba Vaynberg as Morton’s wife.
The physical production is handsome. James Youmans’ unit set and projections easily transforms itself into Hartford, Boston, Paris, New York and intermediate points. David Lander’s lighting is exquisite, and David C. Woolard’s costumes, all 19th century in design, are superb. John Gromada’s original score is richly riveting.
I’ve spent most of the summer reviewing summer fare, comedies, musicals, and lighter drama. “Ether Dome” offers a refreshing evening of thoughtful theatre with a glimpse into medical history, Hartford history, and the workings of a medical community torn between doing what’s right for a patient verses making a profit.
“Ether Dome” continues at Hartford Stage through October 5, before moving to Boston’s Huntington Theatre on October 17 through November 23.
Hartford Stage presents “Ether Dome” by Elizabeth Egloff. Directed by Michael Wilson. Scenic designer: James Youmans. Costume designer: David Woolard. Lighting Designer: David Lander. Sound designer: John Gromada and Alex Neumann. Running Time: 3 hours with 2 intermissions. Through October 5. For tickets: 860-527-5151 or www.hartfordstage.org
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.
