Westport Country Playhouse's NORA to Begin Performances on 7/15

Westport Country Playhouse will stage the sexy and suspenseful story of love, lies, and blackmail, "Nora," July 15 through August 2, adapted by Academy Award-winning director/writer Ingmar Bergman from Henrik Ibsen's masterwork, "A Doll's House." Directed by David Kennedy, Playhouse associate artistic director, the work is translated by Frederick J. Marker and Lise-Lone Marker.

"Ibsen is one of the masters of all of dramatic literature, and Bergman one of the greatest artists of the last century. So a project that draws from both their imaginations-Bergman reimagining 'A Doll's House,' one of the most involving and vital plays ever written- has special significance," said Kennedy. "His interpretation is both reverent and totally daring, and the results are as fresh as can be. It's powerful, moving, surprising, and feels totally of the moment. Whether you're a lifelong Ibsen fan or have never seen his work, 'Nora' will resonate."

The title character, Nora, has a seemingly perfect life, a happy home, and a healthy marriage. But when a menacing man from her past appears, her idyllic world is suddenly turned upside down. The play is appropriate for ages 16 and up. Running time is approximately 90 minutes; no intermission.

Playing Nora, a woman on a path to self-discovery, is Liv Rooth. She was seen last season in Westport Country Playhouse's "Loot," and previously in "Suddenly Last Summer," and a Script in Hand playreading, "Dial 'M' for Murder." On Broadway, she was in "Venus in Fur," "Born Yesterday," and "Is He Dead?"

Torvald, Nora's husband, is portrayed by Lucas Hall. He appeared in Westport Country Playhouse's "Twelfth Night," and Off-Broadway's "Tales from Red Vienna," "The Merchant of Venice," and "Othello."

Krogstad, who attempts to blackmail Nora, is played by Shawn Fagan. He was in Off-Broadway's "Wife to James Whelan," "Rutherford and Son," "Henry IV Part 1," "The Misanthrope," and "Peninsula Freakshow."

Stephanie Janssen plays Mrs. Linde, Nora's confidante. Her credits include Broadway's "Death of a Salesman," and "Mrs. Warren's Profession." She was in Off-Broadway/Regional's "Clive," "Ivanov," and "Map of Heaven."

Dr. Rank, Nora's loyal, ailing friend, is played by LeRoy McClain. He was on Broadway in "The History Boys" and "Cymbeline." Off-Broadway plays include "Milk Like Sugar," "Born Bad," "The Good Negro," and "Othello."

Director David Kennedy joined the Playhouse in 2009 as associate artistic director. Since then he has directed several Playhouse productions, including last season's "Loot." He was previously with Dallas Theater Center, and was founding artistic director of The Lunar Society in Toronto and Milkman Theatre Group in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Adapter Ingmar Bergman was a Swedish director, writer, and producer for film, stage, and television. He won three Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language films, including "Fanny and Alexander." Playwright Henrik Ibsen is one of the most-performed dramatists in the world. His major works include "A Doll's House," "Hedda Gabler," "Ghosts," and "The Master Builder."

The design team includes Kristen Robinson, scenic design; Katherine Roth, costume design; Matthew Richards, lighting design; and Fitz Patton, sound design and original music.

"Nora" Production Partners are Eunice and David Bigelow Foundation, and Michael Klingher and Lindsay Schine.

Now available are 2014 3-play subscriptions, including online purchasing capability 24/7. Subscribers receive a host of benefits not afforded to single ticket buyers, including significant savings, priority seating, free and easy ticket exchanges, and restaurant discounts. Flex passes are also available for those seeking a more flexible subscription option. Single tickets start at $30; buy early for best prices. Educators and students are eligible for 50% discounts. On the day of a performance, senior rush tickets are available at 50%.

"Nora" performance schedule is Tuesday at 8 p.m., Wednesday at 2 and 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Special series feature Taste of Tuesday, Previews, LGBT Night OUT, Opening Night, Sunday Symposium, Open Captions, Thursday TalkBack, Together at the Table Family Dinner, Playhouse Young Professionals, and Backstage Pass.

For more information, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Tickets are available online 24/7 at www.westportplayhouse.org, or by using the new Playhouse App or mobile website. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), follow on Twitter (@WCPlayhouse), or view Playhouse videos on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).

Photo by Kat Gloor

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