Saw this last night (Thursday) and loved it. So interesting to see the predecessor to Chekov in the form of a delightful intimate human comedy. It didn't necessarily move me as much as Chekhov often does, but so many of the same elements were there. Thomas Jay Ryan was hilarious as the Doctor. Was surprised to see powerhouses like Annabella Sciorra, Elizabeth Franz and Anthony Edwards in relatively minor roles, but they really were wonderful, as was the entire cast. The entire set of young actors here were brilliant.
It was near impossible to take your eyes off of Taylor Schilling and Peter Dinklage...they have such natural magnetism. I loved Dinklage in RICHARD III at the Public several years ago. Here he doesn't have quite as much to sink his teeth into. I was mesmerized by the arcs of both of their stories. It would be terrific to see more of both of them on stage, but until then we have this fine production at CSC which doesn't disappoint.
Of all the plays I've seen at CSC over the years I felt this utilized this stage's space most effectively...it really made a dark confined space seem wide open and even magisterial at times. Kudos to the lighting and scenic designers here.
I would recommend this production without hesitation.
As an aside, we saw Isherwood at this performance. He was playing his cards close to his chest. Amusingly he arrived very close to curtain time and someone else was inadvertently (?) seated in his seats and they had to be moved before things could begin. So much for making an unassuming entrance. The theatre appeared to be sold out.
Updated On: 1/23/15 at 09:41 AM
