Of the many works by great Russian writer Anton Chekhov—short stories, articles, plays—none has captured the minds and imaginations of readers and audiences worldwide more than his beloved quartet of plays, as they have come to be called. The quartet consists of “The Seagull,” “The Three Sisters,” “The Cherry Orchard,” and “Uncle Vanya.”
New York’s Lincoln Center Theater at the Vivian Beaumont is presently showing a stunning new version of “Uncle Vanya.” It has been adapted by Heidi Schreck, who has written several award-winning plays, has worked as a teacher and journalist in Russia, and has done simultaneous translations of Chekhov and other Russian writers.
Director Lila Neugebauer has chosen to use the Vivian Beaumont as a thrust stage. That is, the performing platform extends into the audience; the audience surrounds the platform on three sides. Seating is raised above, in the manner of a Greek amphitheater, and every seat has an ample view of the actors.
Scenes in Real Time
Marina (Mia Katigbak) is having a casual conversation with Astrov (William Jackson Harper). He is a community-based doctor and now a family friend. Marina is Vanya’s mother and former wife to the owner of the estate, Alexander Serabryakov.Marina tells Astrov he’s gotten old and less attractive and that he drinks too much. He counters by saying that he hasn’t had one day off. As a doctor, he’s sleepless because he awaits being called out of bed at any moment to attend to a medical emergency. But in his free time, he loves to plant trees to replenish what man has carelessly destroyed.
Perhaps in reference to this, set designer Mimi Lien designed a backdrop showing several tall trees that could signify a forest. Otherwise, the barebones set features only a few chairs and tables.
Vanya (Steve Carell) enters and complains about the mysterious new presence of Alexander, the estate’s owner (Alfred Molina). Vanya is apparently jealous of the retired professor, who, in Vanya’s opinion, is undeserving of the many accolades he’s received. Alexander and his younger, beautiful wife Elena (Anika Noni Rose) have arrived to stay for an undetermined period of time.
The small group has just taken a walk around the property, but Alexander, who is willful and demanding, decides to take a nap instead. Marina comments that Alexander has upset the entire functioning of the house. He sometimes demands food at midnight, and she must turn on the samovar and disturb the entire household. He also sometimes calls for the doctor, Astrov, then refuses to see him when he arrives.
There’s much talk of the love of Sonia (Alison Pill), Alexander’s daughter by his first marriage, for Astrov. Sonia cares for the estate along with Vanya. She confesses her unrequited love of Astrov to Elena, who promises to tactfully question Astrov regarding his feelings toward Sonia.
Their interview not only produces a resounding “No!” from Astrov toward Sonia, but leads to his confessing his overwhelming attraction for Elena. She is shocked and disgusted. She announces that she and her husband will leave the estate at once.
But first, Alexander requests a meeting of the entire group and drops a bombshell: He wants to sell the estate!
Vanya’s rage is so explicit that he lunges across the table at Alexander, furious that the latter had made no provision for the safety and care of Vanya and Sonia.
Alexander, taken aback by Vanya’s verbal assault, retracts his words completely. All will remain the same. However, he is in complete agreement with his wife that they must leave immediately. It is hinted that they will never return.
Top Tier Performance
Director Neugebauer has staged the play tersely and with economy. She has permitted the dialogue and simple staging to let the heart of the play stand out.Performances are top-notch, to be expected in a production of high caliber such as “Uncle Vanya.” Several performers stand out, however. They are Steve Carell, Alfred Molina, and Alison Pill. Jonathan Hadary, Jayne Houdyshell, and Spencer Donovan Jones also make up the cast. Anika Noni Rose’s natural beauty was enhanced by the glamorous gowns, designed by Kaye Voyce.
It is always a pleasure to see a world classic on the stage of the Lincoln Center Theater at the Vivian Beaumont.
