Regional Reviews: Boston Regional Reviews by Sarah Chantal Parro The Cherry Orchard
The set is composed of just a few additional rugs as well as some furniture, but the entire room provides the setting for this wonderful piece of environmental theatre. I love that the actors make use of doors that open to the outside, enhancing the reality of the Russian winter in the play as they literally come in from the cold, which the audience also feels as a draft sweeps through the room. As one of the actors said in the talkback session after the performance I saw, the space does not feel like a room that has been transformed into a theatre; it feels like the old family estate of the Ranyevskaya family, an immense symbol of a declining era. The cast is wonderful. Marya Lowry is fantastic as Lubov Ranyevskaya, the family matriarch clinging to nostalgia for her past and spending what little is left of her family's money on travel, parties, and expensive meals. Lowry expertly portrays the complexity of Lubov's character, who at first seems like a frivolous woman trying to cling to her youth but is later revealed as deeply sad, having experienced great tragedy, including the death of her husband and young son. Lowry delivers a poignant, simple, and moving monologue about halfway through the show. Her impressive performance and teaching creditsincluding many Shakespeare productions, leading international vocal workshops, and being a founding member of ASPare evident. Marianna Bassham is effectively forlorn as Varya, Lubov's adopted daughter and the one who seems most anxious about the estate's future; Bassham has mastered the pained expression and wears it almost constantly. Steven Barkhimer plays Yermolai Lopakhin, the son of peasants who used to work on Lubov's land but who is now a successful businessman trying to advise Lubov how to best save the estate. Barkhimer, whose accolades include an Independent Reviewers of New England Best Supporting Actor award along with numerous acting, directing, and writing credits, skillfully portrays Lopakhin's internal struggle between the past he is ashamed of and the man he is trying to be. I previously saw Gabriel Graetz as Dr. Chasuble in Moonbox Productions' The Importance of Being Earnest; while his role as the clerk Semyon Yepikhodov is relatively small, it allows him to demonstrate more of his acting ability, providing comic relief (having a look and comedic style reminiscent of Zach Galifianakis) with a touch of darkness, as his character entertains thoughts of suicide. I really could go on about every actor, as they all bring great skill and diversity to their respective roles; rest assured that there are no weak links and no one goes unnoticed. Chekhov's work bears a mix of comedy and tragedy, grief for the past and hope for the future, and each actor embodies these themes (sometimes one or the other, more often both) in each character's own unique way. The performance is skillfully acted, directed, and designed and is altogether powerful and affecting. This is definitely a show you don't want to miss. ASP's The Cherry Orchard, written by Anton Chekhov and directed by Obie Award winner Melia Bensussen, runs through March 9th at The Dane Estate at Pine Manor College, 400 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill. Tickets range from $28 to $50. To make reservations, call 866-811-4111 or visit actorsshakespeareproject.org.
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