The Boothbay Playhouse

Opening on July 28th, Hedda Gabler surprisingly proved to be among the season's hits. What other summer-theatre management would have risked presenting a tragic Ibsen classic without the added attraction of a “name” star for box-office assurance? But, under Franklyn Lenthall's careful guidance, employing the work's Eva LeGallienne translation, Playhouse veteran Peterka offered one of her most memorable performances. Portland's critic Wright was most impressed: “The title role offers an actress the same challenge that Hamlet holds for an actor. Harryetta Peterka meets that challenge with an intense performance that burns with the searing cold of dry ice. In four seasons at the Playhouse Miss Peterka has not given a better performance. But this is a company triumph, for everyone rises to Miss Peterka's support with outstanding strength. William Damon is excellent as the fumbling Tesman. Robert Bannard is at his summer's best as the tempestuous Lovborg. Evelyn Tracy, the best thing about A Thousand Clowns last week, turns in an equally strong performance as Mrs. Elvsted. Gerald Denning is born to the role of the elegant, despotic Judge Brack. Margaret Murray's fortunate gift for character work . . . is again in happy evidence. Hedda Gabler is without doubt . . . one of the best things ever done at Boothbay.” Management would later report this production to be the summer's box-office winner.