The San Diego Premiere of Hillary and Clinton by Lucas Hnath
This year, so far, has had me practically upside down. So, I’m happy that, after a few setbacks, I was able to catch the last day of performances of Hillary and Clinton. Set in 2008 during the New Hampshire primary, where Hillary won the popular vote and Barack Obama came in second. This play by Lucas Hnath, seen for the first time in San Diego, delves into the Clintons’ relationship, but I also think it puts into words what many people were thinking at the time.
Daniel Bunch plays Hillary, and Geoffrey Ulysses Geissinger plays Bill. Since the Clintons are real people, having them portrayed by younger actors added a layer for me that took me to another dimension — an alternate one where I was a witness to that truth, whatever it was. Mark (Kenna Harrington) is Hillary’s campaign manager and not a fan of Bill’s. The tension between the two goes from evident to in-your-face. Bunch is stoic as Hillary, refereeing her husband and campaign manager while trying to figure out the next best step. Ulysses Geissinger does hardcore mansplaining as Bill, and also shows the human side as a husband who has lost part of his connection with his wife. Kenna Harrington is energetic and passionate as the campaign manager. Kevin Phantom is Obama, and the same thing happened. Phantom brought a freshness to the interpretation, while Obama gave a few jabs at the couple AND the primary.
Directed by Marti Gobel, the company’s producing artistic director, the play takes place in the penthouse of the Alma Hotel, where people sit on the furniture or walk around, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.. Marti’s blockage uses practically the whole penthouse, with actors going up and down the stairs, coming in and out of the balcony, and walking between the audience members. There’s even a shower scene. Having the play in the middle of downtown, with its well-known liveliness, brought sounds that coincided with the plot, such as the trolley horns and police sirens. Also, the fact that it is downtown makes it strategic and political because City Hall and most of the city’s offices are located there.
The run had matinee and evening performances, so the natural light also had an effect. During the daytime performance I saw, the sun would beam in and reflect on the actors’ faces. I can imagine the city lights at night and how they would be the backdrop for those heated conversations.
It’s funny how the theatre hustle from one show to the next sometimes distracts me from the obvious. Even though I am always on guard for certain things, like inconsiderate audience members, the dynamic OnWord is bringing to the stage is not only fitting for new audience development but also attracts people who are not used to or like being in a theatre that much, to come and experience it. Additionally, there is a variety in the immersive aspect, which brings camaraderie among the audience in a more relaxed setting and focuses their attention.
Having the company do San Diego premieres is a plus. Check out what is coming next at https://onwordtheatre.com/
