'We all have a letter': Jordan Marcum shines in Monticello's 'Scarlet Letter' | Review

"The Scarlet Letter" has been adapted countless times since Nathaniel Hawthorne first published the novel in 1850. On Jan. 21, local audiences will have a chance to see one such adaptation, a feminist deconstruction by Academy Award nominee Phyllis Nagy.

The play is fittingly performed at the historic Monticello Opera House, and is directed by Jeff Mandel, who has assembled an all-star group of talent both on stage and behind the scenes.

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Mandel likes to joke about his job as director, but anyone who has seen his previous work knows that underneath the self-deprecation is a man who lives, breathes, and consumes theater. "Jeff...is an exceptional director with a kind heart" raves Jordan Marcum, who was previously directed by him in "Our Town."

After a phone call with Mandel, who is currently at home recovering from COVID, I know that this production has proven more challenging than most, yet I barely see any evidence of this during the run. The cast seems ready, and Naomi Rose-Mock, a director of countless superb productions, has come in to help put the finishing touches on the show.

The lovely, sparse set is expertly utilized, serving as multiple locations with minimal changes, allowing the play to flow smoothly from scene to scene. Even the opera boxes, which are typically purely decorative, are put to good use over the course of the evening.

As expected on the Monday before opening, costumes, lights, and sound were not yet finalized, but what was present felt well suited for the style and content of the production.

"The Scarlet Letter" is not particularly concerned with plot, focusing instead on theme and character. Aside from the obvious themes of social ostracization, guilt, and hypocrisy, this production emphasizes redemption, vanity, and the nature of faith.

In addition to strong themes, there is a surprising (and welcome) sense of humor. Between Nagy's script, Mandel's adept direction, and a well cast ensemble, the show clips along at a nice pace and never becomes more dour than enjoyable.

Each character is given a chance to shine, with a cast that features the delightfully raunchy Samantha Sumler as a self-proclaimed witch, David Guthrie as an entertaining windbag of pomposity, Alison Quinn as the sinister Dr. Chillingworth, and Mike Herrin as the kindhearted jailer.

Robin Jackson plays Pearl, Hester's illegitimate child who serves as narrator, guiding the audience through the play with a mischievous streak that hides a surprisingly perceptive nature. Opera House mainstay Brannan Salter admirably flexes his dramatic muscles as the Reverend Dimmesdale, a man broken physically and emotionally.

As good as the rest of the cast is though, "The Scarlet Letter" is ultimately the story of Hester Prynne, an iconic character beautifully brought to life by Jordan Marcum.

Marcum endows Hester with inherent sweetness and courage that makes clear, even in her lowest moments, that this Hester is the strongest character on the stage. "I admire her" Marcum sums up eloquently, adding "there is a Hester in every woman and we all have a letter."

"The Scarlet Letter" opens Friday, Jan. 21, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 30. The audience will be socially distanced and masks are suggested. Monticello Opera House's official COVID-19 statement encourages all patrons and staff to get vaccinated or wear a mask and provides hand sanitizing stations throughout the building.

Caleb Goodman is a local actor and director who enjoys reviewing films, television, and (occasionally) theatre in his spare time.

If you go

What: Monticello Opera House presents The Scarlet Letter. The Scarlet Letter contains adult language and themes. Parents are strongly cautioned.

When: Jan. 21-30. Friday and Saturday Shows at 8 p.m. Lobby and Bar open at 7 p.m. Sunday Matinee at 2 p.m. Lobby and Bar open at 1 p.m.

Where: Monticello Opera House, 185 West Washington St., Monticello

Tickets: $22 and may be purchased online at MonticelloOperaHouse.org or by calling 850/997-4242. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door for all performances. Full cash/credit card bar will be available featuring premium beer, wine and cocktails. Visit monticellooperahouse.org/

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Actors, humor shine in Monticello's strong 'Scarlet Letter'