‘Hedda’ Could Use Lighter Touch at CLU

Jealousy, infidelity, revenge, blackmail, academic hanky-panky and death are all ideal subjects for Christopher Hampton, whose earlier works include the period gambol “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” and the 1995 film “Carrington.”

His translation of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s 1890 “Hedda Gabler” is the current production of Cal Lutheran University’s drama department. While it may be decent Ibsen, it’s disappointing Hampton.

Hedda married Professor Tesman for security, not love. Now she is bored by the relationship; he cares more for his studies than for her, and wasn’t such a great catch in the first place. When Eilert Lovborg (an old flame she had once driven to alcoholic ruin) shows up, Hedda sees an opportunity to amuse herself--at his expense. In the meantime, would-be Lothario Judge Brack spots the lonely housewife as a target for his own lust. To all of this, Tesman is oblivious.

Director Michael Arndt and his mostly young cast take Ibsen very seriously. While there are some intentional laughs in this production, a lighter touch would have turned Ibsen’s dour social commentary into Hampton’s forte, social satire.

Tracy Bersley is strong as Hedda, destroying or embarrassing the men in her life. Tyler Blackmore bumbles around as the status-seeking academic Tesman, and Bret-Jordan Kreiensieck and Edgar Aguirre portray Brack and Lovborg, respectively. Also appearing are Bethany Lewis, Maari E. Gould and Kristina Fresquez.

Cal Lutheran’s drama department now has its own home page: (https://www.callutheran.edu/arndt/Hedda/Gabler.html).

* “Hedda Gabler” continues through Sunday at California Lutheran University’s Preus-Brandt Forum. Shows are at 8 p.m. tonight-Saturday; 2 p.m. matinee Sunday. Admission is $7; free with CLU ID. Group rates available. Special $25 package tonight only, beginning with dinner at 6:30 in CLU Pavilion. For information, call 493-3415; for reservations for the show only, call 493-3410.

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Miracles in Santa Paula: Director Gerald Castillo and the Santa Paula Theater Center have found leads who prove to be up to the formidable challenge of playing young Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, in William Gibson’s “The Miracle Worker.”

They were real-life people, living in Alabama near the turn of the century. Keller (1880-1968) was blinded and deafened by an acute illness at 19 months, and a few years later was put under the care of 21-year-old Anne Sullivan, who became her teacher and lifelong companion. Keller flourished under Sullivan’s tutelage, graduating with honors from Radcliffe College and spending the rest of her life as a lecturer, prolific writer and international celebrity.

The action takes place during a span of about two weeks, from the time that Sullivan comes to the Keller home until her breakthrough communication with 7-year-old Helen.

While the supporting performers in this production (including Ron Resac and Leslie Nichols as Helen’s parents) are important and well-realized, Helen and Annie are the show. Christine Zirbel is excellent as strong-willed Annie, defying the Kellers as she applies her own form of “tough love” to their daughter. And 9-year-old Erin Cariker turns in a remarkable performance as young Helen, a child who’s almost totally cut off from communication, but (as Sullivan alone suspects) ravenously eager to learn. Also notable is Jared Willis as Helen’s snotty older brother.

Jeff G. Rack, one of the county’s very best scenic designers, has come up with another terrific piece of work, including a physical metaphor that bursts into life toward the end of this very satisfying show.

* “The Miracle Worker” continues through April 21 at the Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. 7th St., Santa Paula. Shows are at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees. Tickets are $12.50 for adults; $10 students and seniors (55 and over); $6 children 12 and under. For reservations or information, call 525-4645.

Casting Call: Director Rebecca Hanes is auditioning seniors (50 and over) for the roles of Charlie Brown, Schroeder and Peppermint Patty in Comedy Tonight Productions’ upcoming “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” which will run from June 14 through July 14 in Thousand Oaks and Ojai. Auditions will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on April 1 at the Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St., and April 2 and 3 at the Arts Center of the Conejo Valley, 482 Greenmeadow Road, Thousand Oaks. Be prepared to read, sing and dance. An accompanist will be provided; bring sheet music in your key. For further information, call producer Gabriel Vega at 389-3193.