From Playbill:
GLEB
Male, any ethnicity, mid – late 30s. A member of the Chekist secret police. A zealot with tremendous
intensity and a dangerous sexuality. As the play progresses, we see him rise in power and position
within the political party. He’s in love with Anya but would not be above killing her if necessary. We’re
not looking for a typical villain; he must be likable. Strong, dramatic baritenor with thrilling middle and
top of range. Vocal range: B2 – G4. PRINCIPAL (Note: OFFER IS OUT; BUT NOT YET ACCEPTED)
Here's the thing. From the show I saw in June, half of this isn't true. What dangerous sexuality? Yeah, the actor of Gleb was attractive, but Anya nor the other women in the show were seduced by him or fallen for him. So, this part is pointless.
"As the play progresses, we see him rise in power and position within the political party."
Not really.
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From the beginning, he is the deputy commissioner. But, then gest promoted to hitmen or whatever to spy on Anya and kill her. No rising of power or anything. Even if he did rise to power, it was just, "Hey, you're going to kill Anya. Bye." Nothing dramatic.
He’s in love with Anya but would not be above killing her if necessary.
Pretty false.
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When Gleb approaches Anya about the scheme, he says that he is so relieved that she wasn't Anastasia because she was safe. When Gleb realizes Anya is Anastasia (Not clear at all how he recognized her, btw. Someone explained to me), he is like, "Oh, crap. I gotta kill her." Very hesitant. Even when his boss orders him to follow Anya to Paris to kill her, you can tell he doesn't want to. His part in the Quartet is all about he doesn't want to kill her, but has to. The only part when he wants to kill her is at the climax.
If all of these points are meant to be in the show, the playwright failed pretty bad. Actually show us this in the show. But, I got to say: The description is right about him being likable. I found Gleb to be adorable around Anya before the realization.
Updated On: 8/30/16 at 10:49 PM