BWW Reviews: WITTENBERG Now On Stage at STNJ - Refreshingly Original

"To believe or not to believe." Wittenberg

The New Jersey Premiere of Wittenberg, a new and notable play, is now on stage at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ). This wonderfully crafted piece by playwright, David Davalos is unique in every respect. Wittenberg manipulates the lives and fate of three characters, Hamlet, Doctor Faustus and Martin Luther. The trio transcends time, space, and literary history to make this a completely captivating show. The interplay of the characters in Wittenberg is inspired, allowing for illuminating existential discussions and just the right dose of humor. Simply stated, you will love Wittenberg.

Joseph Discher's direction is outstanding in every respect. Discher's impressive background as a director of the finest classics and modern theater pieces lends itself perfectly to guiding this play.

The cast of Wittenberg is a dream team. Jordan Coughtry plays Hamlet, the disillusioned senior at Wittenberg University who needs to seek advice from his two learned professors. Mark H. Dold plays Reverend Martin Luther, the pious, yet thoughtful man of religion. Anthony Marble plays Dr. John Faustus, the passionate philosophy professor and very hip doctor. Erin Partin plays multiple parts including "a working girl" and a "lady of pleasure." Partin makes her character changes seamlessly and rounds out this fine cast.

Conflict and comedy ensue when Hamlet is caught between Martin Luther's traditional religious views and Dr. Faustus' liberal philosophical leanings. Luther says, "God is everywhere" while Faustus proclaims, "Everything is a choice." Even though the two men frequently meet, they are not aware that Hamlet has obtained the counsel of both of them.

Wittenberg is a smart piece of theater and some of the modern, quirky touches make it very rewarding. Imagine Faustus doing a solo music gig in the local bar or Martin Luther being prescribed coffee by Dr. Faustus for his digestive health. And, Hamlet turns out to be quite the athlete in on the college tennis court. The premise is creative, often humorous, but the handling of literature and historical features are intact to give the play its true substance. In fact, it took the playwright David Davalos eight years of research craft the script.

The Artistic Staff has done an ingenious job of developing Wittenberg. With scenic design by Brittany Vasta, costume design by Hugh Hanson, sound design by Steven L. Beckel and lighting design by Matthew Adelson, Wittenberg becomes a world that projects a true sense of university life.

The audience for Wittenberg is vast, from theatre enthusiasts who will connect with clever innuendos to college students who will totally get university culture and everyone in between. Wittenberg is wholly entertaining but also provokes thoughtful contemplation.

Performances of Wittenberg are at the F.M Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue in Madison. Performances are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:30 pm; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm; and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. For tickets, call the box office at (973) 408-5600 or visit www.Shakespeare.nj.org.

Photo Credit: Jerry Dalia

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