Theater Thursday - A Doll's House and Starstruck

We received complimentary tickets to A Doll's House for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: A Doll's House

Where: Two River Theater

             21 Bridge Ave.

             Red Bank, NJ

Who: Recommended for Ages 14 and Up

When: Through March 15, 2026

Two River Theater's current production of Ibsen's classic A Doll's House is still the same familiar story told with mostly the same familiar lines. However, the time and place are now 1950s New Jersey, and the characters are now an African American family. This adds an additional element to the story as Nora is not only a woman now, but she is a Black woman who has forged her White father's signature. Cara Ricketts really shines in the role. Her transition from a flighty, obsequious wife to a woman forced to take charge of her own destiny is instantaneous and gut-wrenching. You can feel the disappointment and sadness in every fiber of her being, and your heart breaks for her. 

Although even the 1950s were 7 decades ago, the show still resonates. In fact, it may be even more relevant than ever, as some would eagerly have women (and others) give up the rights and autonomy that they have earned since the play was originally produced. Many more women could suffer Nora's heartbreak and worse if we aren't careful and vigilant.

And that's our view. For more about A Doll's House or to purchase tickets, visit tworivertheater.org/whats-on/a-dolls-house

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We received complimentary tickets to Starstruck for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Starstruck

Where: Bucks County Playhouse 

             70 Main St.

             New Hope, PA

Who: Recommended for Ages 13 and Up 

When: Through March 21. 2026

Starstruck is a joyous new take on Cyrano De Bergerac. In this ultra-modern update, Cyd is a park ranger and astronomer who aims to get her Utah town recognized as the United States first International Dark Sky Reserve, an area with reduced light pollution to protect and maintain naturally dark skies.  Her rival for the affections of the beautiful Roxanne is a man. Roxanne is more self-sufficient and much less of an idealist than in the original story, although she is a sucker for beautiful words. Cyrano is not impeded by the physicality of a large nose but by the emotional scars of being abandoned at an early age. 

The show is populated by delightfully quirky characters including Cyd and Roxanne. The relationships between the characters are full of warmth. caring and touching found family vibes. The effervescent score by Emily Saliers of The Indigo Girls is equal parts humorous and heartfelt. It consists of a mix of completely original songs and songs made famous by the duo. The second act opener, the Indigo Girls' "Closer to Fine," is a particular crowdpleaser.  If you are looking for a show that is a perfect blend of something familiar and something completely new, you can't go wrong with this show.

And that's our view. For more about Starstruck or to purchase tickets, visit bcptheater.org/shows/starstruck. 

Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.

 Photo credits:

All A Doll's House production photos by T. Charles Erickson    

All Starstruck production photos by Joan Marcus

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Address any concerns regarding image usage here.