Helping ‘Easter’ Rise

August Strindberg’s “Easter,” at Cal State Fullerton’s Recital Hall, isn’t a skyrocket in the Swedish master’s canon. On the surface it looks much like early Ibsen, and its plot is as simple as can be, without much of the emotional depth of Strindberg’s more lasting and original works such as “Miss Julie” and “The Ghost Sonata.”

The story centers on the family of an educator who has been jailed for embezzlement. His wife, Mrs. Heyst, purports to believe her husband innocent; his confused son Elis doesn’t but tortures himself trying to find a legal loophole for an appeal. Elis is also tortured by his belief that his loving fiancee is interested in one of his rivals. Young daughter Eleanora arrives unannounced from her confinement in a sanitarium to add more soap, along with the image of a nasty creditor on his way to collect their worldly goods.

Director Christian Kiley seems to have noted the script’s weakness and has compensated for it: His production is all about style, both in its staging and in his handling of the performances. With a better play, Kiley’s hand would be too noticeable. He makes each moment much more important than it actually is, but his broad strokes give a theatrical glow to a work that certainly needs the help. If this was his intent, it is a touch of brilliance; if not, the accident is fortuitous.

The actors, too, become a part of Kiley’s vision, conveying a sense of power and deep significance that the story doesn’t always deserve. This is particularly so in the role of Elis, played with bravado and intensity by Trevor H. Olsen. Olsen commands the stage when he’s on, and his often-quirky interpretation is impressive and hypnotic.

Sacha Vaughn, as Elis’ fiancee, has such charm beneath her Scandinavian cool that her underwritten character breathes with an unusual and telling inner flame. As the not-really-so-deluded mother, Hilary Russell is calm and nerveless, an absolutely perfect conception in this difficult role, and Ryan Jacobson gives an exceptionally detailed performance as a young student boarder.

There is a certain grandeur to Misty Reams’ interpretation of the distracted but perfectly stable daughter, which keeps the character from being the stereotype she could be. As the voiceless Shadow, who dances out the fears and torment of the family, Kristen A. Gangle (dancing her own evocative choreography) is effective.

As that nasty creditor who finally arrives, Forrest Robinson is a delight--slightly rough-edged, but with a Father Christmas twinkle that gives away his true character. Although the simplistically happy ending he provides is one of the play’s problems, his long scene with Elis, trying to bestow kindness and good news while Elis keeps denying him in volatile anger, provides the evening’s strongest moments.

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* “Easter,” Recital Hall, Cal State Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd. Today, 2:30 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. Ends Sunday. $6-$8. (714) 773-3371. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.

Trevor H. Olsen: Elis Heyst

Kristen A. Gangle: The Shadow

Sacha Vaughn: Kristina

Hilary Russell: Mrs. Heyst

Ryan Jacobson: Benjamin

Misty Reams: Eleanora Heyst

Forrest Robinson: Andrew Lindkvist

A Cal State Fullerton department of theater and dance production of August Strindberg’s drama. Directed by Christian Kiley. Set: Brandon Tisor. Lighting: John Vasquez. Costumes: Shelly Williams. Sound: Kimberly Orr. Makeup/hair: Barbara Braden Meyer. Stage manager: Julia Musekamp.