by AJ Jaffari
Few plays feel as eerily relevant today as An Enemy of the People, and under the radical vision of Thomas Ostermeier and Florian Borchmeyer, Ibsen’s century-old drama erupts into a thrillingly modern political battleground. In this gripping adaptation, the clash between truth and power isn’t just a moral dilemma—it’s an electrifying spectacle, complete with audience confrontation, punk rock chaos, and an unflinching critique of democracy itself. As I sat in the theater, it became clear: this is no mere period piece. This Enemy of the People is a mirror, reflecting our era’s own struggles with corruption, media manipulation, and the price of dissent. It truly was unlike any play I’ve experienced.
And now… onto the review!
Cast: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The cast was nothing short of phenomenal—just seven actors (eight if we’re counting Benjamin the dog!), yet every single one made their presence felt. With such a small ensemble, the stakes were high, and it was clear that each actor seized the opportunity to bring their character to life with intensity and depth.
Standouts for me were Coleton Schmitto as Dr. Thomas Stockmann, Christine Capsuto-Shulman as Katharina Stockmann, and Johnny Moreno as Mayor Peter Stockmann. Schmitto and Moreno commanded the stage in a battle of ideals, politics, and morality—two forces colliding with electrifying energy. Their performances were raw, impassioned, and completely gripping from start to finish. Capsuto-Shulman brought an incredible depth to Katharina, grounding her in warmth and conviction while leaving just enough mystery to keep me wondering where her story might go beyond the play. That kind of layered performance is no small feat.
The supporting cast—Nick Mandracchia, Brandon Leland, and Katie O’Bryon-Champlin—delivered equally strong performances, each adding weight and urgency to the unfolding drama. And of course, Benjamin the dog stole the show whenever he appeared, proving that even with limited stage time, he could hold his own among this stellar ensemble.
A powerhouse cast from top to bottom—one that made this production unforgettable.
Theater: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A true San Jose gem, The Stage is a theater that welcomes all audiences but feels especially perfect for theater lovers like myself. The lobby has a cozy charm, offering a thoughtful selection of beverages and snacks to enjoy before the show. As for the house itself, there isn’t a bad seat in the space—every spot provides a solid view of the action. That said, if you have the chance, I’d recommend grabbing a seat in the center section for the best sightlines.
One of the things I love about The Stage is its diverse season lineup, making it a fantastic theater to subscribe to. With a well-rounded selection of productions—including a musical to close out the season—it offers something for both play and musical fans alike.
If there’s one thing to keep in mind, it’s that downtown parking can be a bit tricky, so planning ahead is a good idea. But that’s a small trade-off for such a fantastic venue. I always look forward to returning!
Production: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The production elements of this show were not just well-executed—they were purposeful, thoughtful, and strikingly effective. Director Kenneth Kelleher should be incredibly proud of what he accomplished with this cast. The pacing was impeccable, a testament to the careful crafting that undoubtedly went into every beat of the show.
Christopher Fitzer’s scenic design was a bold fusion of artistry, modernity, and edge. Without giving too much away, the ever-shifting background and the clever use of “special effects” made for a visually arresting experience. Every choice felt deliberate, adding layers to the storytelling in unexpected ways.
A special shoutout to fight choreographer and intimacy coordinator Will Springhorn Jr., whose work elevated the intensity of the performances to an almost unsettling degree—in the best way possible. The raw, visceral moments between the actors felt so authentic that I found myself on edge, completely absorbed in the tension they created.
I can’t overstate how talented this team of designers is. From the performances to the creative forces behind them, every aspect of this production came together to deliver something truly unforgettable. Hats off to all of you!
An Enemy of the People runs through March 2nd.
Tickets are available here
Broadway with AJ and Sarah 
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