Hobson's Choice brings the welcome return of Nagle Jackson, former artistic director of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater (1971-77). His talents are evident in this well-oiled production, an early example of women's liberation that manages to puncture many of the cultural taboos of English life in the 1880s. The play makes a heroine out of its main character, Maggie, who certainly puts Gloria Steinem to shame in her zeal to move beyond the domestic chains that shackled women in the Victorian era. Dismissed by her father as too old to marry, the 30-year-old Maggie sets out to prove him wrong. Not only does she find a husband, she also sets up a successful business in competition with her father's.
The script is not without its weak points, and these are not totally resolved even in Jackson's capable hands. For instance, we cannot understand how Maggie's two sisters become so shrewish over time; to the point they barely acknowledge Maggie's help in securing their own husbands. At least they show some development over the course of the play. The same, however, cannot be said for Maggie (Laura Gordon). She is clever, bossy and conniving from beginning to end. This in no way faults Gordon, who gives a powerful performance throughout. In her finest scene, she creates a believable "seduction" of her father's soft-spoken cobbler, Willie (Lee Ernst). He is an amusing fly caught in the spider's web. Their give-and-take is a delightful exchange, with Willie finally succumbing to his fate. In the next few scenes, Ernst makes a flawless transition from timid cobbler to respected businessman.
The rest of the cast also delivers strong performances, with the possible exception of Jim Baker, who is far too flamboyant as Maggie's father, a conventional English shop owner.
The talented Brian Vaughn makes the most of his role as one of the sister's suitors. Among the most charming aspects of Hobson's Choice are the gorgeous sets by Rosario Provenza. Most of the action takes place in Hobson's general store. Its paneled interior gleams with the richness of burnished wood. Two other sets also impress with their attention to detail, creating an authentic Victorian setting. Hobson's Choice is a good addition to the Rep's current season, and one hopes that Nagle Jackson will return for another engagement very soon.
