Stars shine bright in Electra

A good actor can make you understand why he or she feels an emotion. A great actor can make you feel that emotion yourself. In Stage Center Theatre's production of Electra by Sophocles, this kind of great acting carries the show's essence from start to finish.

Directed by Rodney Higginbotham, Electra tells the story of a woman in the deepest state of mourning and despair. Electra's father, Agamemnon, was murdered by her mother Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus years before the play begins. Electra has spent the years since his murder living in the house of his murderers and refusing to forget the memory of her father. She also refuses to relinquish her hope that her brother Orestes, whom she sent away as a child for his own safety, will return some day to avenge their father's death.

Orestes does return to do just that, but he cannot reveal his identity for fear that his plan will be realized and interrupted. He, along with his servant and his friend, fool Clytemnestra and Electra into believing that Orestes is dead and they are there to deliver the bad news and his ashes.

The set was simple and served its purpose. The lighting did its job suggesting mood and time of day. The costumes consisted of robes, long dresses, and sandals that helped to convey each character's social status by their colors and accessories. All of these technical elements worked just fine, but they are easily forgettable, and not in a bad way. The performances in Electra outshine anything else on stage, which is the way it should be.

Tackling the kinds of intense, emotional journeys faced by the characters in Electra is by no means easy, but some of the actors in Electra make it look effortless. Their tears are real, their smiles are genuine, their anger is frightening, and their chemistry is impeccable.

Kenneth Kirschnick, who plays Aegisthus, makes the best of his one moment on stage and easily makes the audience hate him, from the tone of his voice to way he carries himself.

Cheryl Lyman, who plays Clymenestra, could play the part in just one dimension and make the audience hate her just as much as Aegisthus. However, there is a moment where Lyman plays to the character's one weakness and reveals the human side of such a seemingly evil person.

David Mitchell, who plays Orestes, lets the audience into his character's emotional struggles through each and every facial expression and body movement. Much of Orestes' emotions are not outwardly voiced, yet Mitchell manages to convey them without ever needing to open his mouth.

The chemistry between Mitchell and Gail Wittenstein, who plays Electra, is phenomenal. They portray a deep, emotional connection in their scenes together, and make the audience feel everything while watching the final moments before they realize that they are long lost siblings.

To see Wittenstien as Electra is not just to watch her play the part, but also to watch her become the part. She uses everything in her power to not just make the audience hear every gut-wrenching thing she says or does, but to make the audience feel everything.

Unlike Stage Center Theatre's last show, Charley's Aunt, Electra will not make you laugh out loud or leave the theatre with a grin. However, Electra will make your heart beat a little faster and your eyes a little teary, and it will expose you to some of the best actors Northeastern has to offer.