ACT’s Theatre’s ‘Alki’ tries to pack in too much

  • By Mike Murray / Herald Writer
  • Thursday, June 17, 2004 9:00pm
  • LifeGo-See-Do

SEATTLE – “Alki,” the season-opening production of ACT Theatre, is enduring and frustrating.

There’s much to like about this offbeat production, a stage adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s poetic fantasy “Peer Gynt” relocated from Norway to the rugged Northwest of the mid- to late-1880s.

Peer Gynt is a lyin’ con man of epic proportions, and his strange odyssey is told in rich detail. But playwright Eric Overmyer has overloaded this clever comedy-drama with scenes and dialogue, and it veers at times into tedium because of it.

The sets and costumes are a delight and the staging inventive. The acting is uniformly good, with a cast of 13 portraying more than 50 characters, driven by the peerless performance by R. Hamilton Wright as Peer Gynt, the selfish, greed-driven wastrel who knows only one kind of lie to tell: a whopper.

Overmyer, a Seattle native, has infused “Alki” with instantly recognizable visual references of the Pacific Northwest that evoke smiles of recognition.

Slides projected on a screen behind the stage take us on a whirlwind tour of our history: there’s Seattle during the sawmill days of Skid Row, there’s J.P. Patches, there’s the monorail, there’s a traffic jam on I-5. Isn’t that the troll statute under the Freemont Bridge?

And in a very funny bit, we see the image of a grinning Peer Gynt superimposed on some famous historic scenes of Seattle, surrounded by dour-faced early residents.

Ibsen, who wrote “Peer Gynt” in 1867 and adapted it for the stage in 1876, relied on Norwegian fairy tales for his poetic narrative.

In director Kurt Beattie’s “Alki,” Peer Gynt travels a gritty, greed-driven path strewn with weird love stories and broken hearts, get-rich schemes gone bust, lies and bigger lies and even the shrunken heads of his enemies, served up by an accommodating tribe of Amazon Indians.

When this show flies, it’s an exhilarating ride. But Overmyer has packed so much into “Alki,” that at two hours and 30 minutes it begins to feel like a marathon for the actors.

Peer Gynt ends his journey a changed man. Some judicious cutting and editing would make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Review

“Alki”: At ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, through June 27. Tickets, $15-$54, 202-292-7676, www.acttheatre.org.

Review

“Alki”: ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle, through June 27. $15-$54, 202-292-7676, www.acttheatre.org.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid (Provided by Kia).
2025 Kia Carnival lineup includes a hybrid model

Fuel economy is more than 50 percent better with the hybrid powertrain.

Cacti Green Equinox ACTIV photo provided by Chevrolet Newsroom.
Chevrolet Adds ACTIV trim to 2025 Equinox Compact SUV Refresh

Light Off-Roading Added To Its Bag Of Tricks

Open for the past 120 years, The Historic Everett Theatre plays a vital role as a venue for the Everett community. Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre.
Feel the rhythm – Discover the best places for live music

Ready to soak in some incredible live performances? Herald readers have you covered.

Stay in, have fun: Top three indoor experiences to explore

Rain or shine, these exciting indoor spots guarantee a great time!

Children play and look up at a large whale figure hanging from the ceiling at the Imagine Children’s Museum (Olivia Vanni / The herald)
Fun for all ages: The best places for family adventures

From thrilling activities to relaxing outings, here’s where to make unforgettable family memories!

Everett P. Fog, 15, in front of an Everett mural along Colby Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hello, Everett! No escape when your name is same as the town

Everett P. Fog, 15, sees and hears his first name wherever he goes. His middle name is also epic.

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek edition (Provided by Nissan).
2025 Nissan Rogue has new Rock Creek edition

Enhanced outdoor capability is a boon for the more adventurous.

Futuristic Kona Limited Photo Provided By Hyundai Newsroom.
2025 Hyundai Kona Limited SUV Gets Roomier

All-Wheel Drive Option Add To All Trims

Jared Meads takes a breath after dunking in an ice bath in his back yard while his son Fallen, 5, reads off the water temperature on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chill out: Dive into the cold plunge craze

Plungers say they get mental clarity and relief for ails in icy water in tubs, troughs and clubs.

Schack exhibit to highlight Camano Island watercolorists

“Four Decades of Friendship: John Ebner & John Ringen” will be on display Jan. 16 through Feb. 9.

Provided by Bridges Pets, Gifts, & Water Gardens.
Discover where to find the best pet supplies in town

Need the perfect store to spoil your furry friends? Herald readers have you covered.

XRT Trim Adds Rugged Features Designed For Light Off-Roading
Hyundai Introduces Smarter, More Capable Tucson Compact SUV For 2025

Innovative New Convenience And Safety Features Add Value

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.