Applause, Applause Rebecca Herbst {Elizabeth Webber} Outstanding performer for the week of Nov.2, 1998
Soap Opera Weekly By Linda Susman
Elizabeth's Rape on General Hospital last Valentine's Day was a life-altering experience in many ways. While hardly the catalyst one would choose, the violation of Liz's body and soul grew her up overnight, cliche be damned, and ultimately transdormed her from a pesky little brat into a remarkably affecting young woman. After the initial shock of the attack wore off, and with support - mostly from Lucky - the best parts of the "old" Liz resurfaced: her spirit, her determination, her innate smarts. But for the first time, Liz also showed herself as a person of untapped virtue and considerable substance.
One cannot discount the contribution of the writers, who obviously have a great affection for this character and have taken her lovingly under their wings. But the true measure of how successfully their vision is being translated was seeing rebecca Herbst at work this week, as Liz unexpectedly discovered her rapist's identity. The actress's performace was remarkable on many levels, most especially in the restrained, unambiguous demonstration of myriad, complex emotions. By taking the less-is-more route, Herbst sacrificed none of the high drama of the moment. In fact, by allowing her body and her eyes alont to reflect the extent of Liz's fear, pain and revulsion, the actress magnifies the import of the reveal, which had been a well-guarded secret from the viewers as well as from the characters involved.
Herbst's acting choices also laid the groundwork for the encounter's most significant moment. At long last empowered in this relationship, Liz held Tom at gunpoint and with absolute equanimity addressed him as the unconscionable cur he is. Although her compatriots feared that Liz might pull the trigger, Herbst's strength and her character's had become one, and it was clear to viewers that Liz would avenge the crime with valor, not violence.
Lest Liz's gritty display tempt one to gloss over the impact of this denouement, Herbst telegraphed the enormity of her character's experience. It was a simple gesture-slowly closing her eyes and taking a slightly deeper breath after calling the police and asking them to come and pick up the rapist. A bittersweet voctory for Liz; a tour de force for Herbst!
