Norwegian Peer Gynt Journeys to the Delacorte, 10/5-10/7

A Norwegian production of Peer Gynt--the poetic drama by that country's most famous dramatist--will be presented at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park for three performances from October 5th through 7th.

Written in verse and concerning the epic quest of a proud anti-hero, Svein Sturla Hungnes' multimedia concert staging of the 1867 work will feature a cast of more than 150 actors (with Hungnes in the title role).  The cast will also include Kari Simonsen, Linda Øvrebø, Mari Maurstad, Stein Grønli, Rune Reksten, Karoline Kruger, and Camilla Granlien. 

The American Symphony Orchestra will play the "Peer Gynt" of Edvard Grieg, which the composer wrote for the play; Timothy Myers will conduct.  Nina Moen will lead the Peer Gynt chamber choir.  The production--which has been annually staged at the Peer Gynt Festival on Norway's Lake Gålåusical to huge crowds--will also feature arrangements by Atle Halstensen and film direction by Arne Rostad. The production will be performed in English.

Peer Gynt is usually considered Ibsen's most abstract work; his more realistic plays include A Doll's House, Hedda Gabler, The Master Builder, The Wild Duck and An Enemy of the People.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets to Peer Gynt are $145 and $95.