A physician once argued that three-fourths of women had ailments that could be cured by the vibrator.
The doctor was quoted in “The Technology of Orgasm” by Rachel Maines.
Acclaimed playwright and Wilmette native Sarah Ruhl says that this book was her inspiration for “In The Next Room (or the vibrator play).” Directed by Sandy Shinner, the play is in production at Victory Gardens, and it is hilarious, thought-provoking and exceptionally well done.
The vibrator play unfolds in the Givings’ household at the dawn of the electric age, after the Civil War. In his home, Dr. Givings treats women suffering from “hysteria” with a new, buzz-worthy medical device. His wife, Catherine, becomes curious about what her husband does in the next room that leaves his patients flushed and content.
Kate Fry and Mark L. Montgomery, who play Catherine and Dr. Givings respectively, are thrilling to watch. Fry’s Catherine is bubbly but tough, and easy for theatergoers to empathize with. Fry’s full embodiment of Ruhl’s character perfectly articulates women’s struggle to parcel out sexuality, marriage and motherhood, only to discover that they are all inexplicably intertwined.
Montgomery, who appeared in Ruhl’s world premiere of “Stage Kiss” at Goodman Theatre earlier this year, plays the brainy and private Dr. Givings quite well. He does an excellent job of slowly allowing his character to feel emotion more and more throughout the play. Quirky characters round out the cast—Polly Noonan is especially entertaining as Dr. Givings’ frequent patient Sabrina Daldry.
Beautiful Victorian age costumes by Jacqueline Firkins and a functional yet lovely set by Jack Magaw transport audience members to another era; the themes of lust and love in this play, however, will resonate throughout the ages.
“In The Next Room (or the vibrator play)” runs at Victory Gardens through October 9. For ticket information, call 773-871-3000 or visit victorygardens.org.
