The Real Ivanov tickets

Based on a classic, this beautifully adapted tragicomedy balances humor with serious themes of depression, hopelessness, & emotional distress. Performed by an exceptional cast in striking costumes, the play unfolds on an almost unadorned, well-lit set that heightens its emotional impact.

A remarkable play trapped inside an unconvincing production with bad acting. Very questionable casting, too. A young, beautiful, melancholic Russian Jewish woman is played by a twitchy, middle-aged actress whose pronounced accent made her Russian background difficult for me to believe. As an immigrant myself, I appreciate diversity, but casting still has to make sense within the world of the play. The actor playing the doctor came across like a self-conscious teenager and caused me some profound secondhand embarrassment. What is even more baffling is that the actors have impressive résumés. Were they simply not right for the characters they agreed to play? Sam Underwood definitely overdid it. Why does Ivanov come off as a teary, whiny simp instead of flat, depressed, and resigned? The only person worth seeing was Will DeMeritt, who unfortunately was playing a background character. Chekhov did not want an intermission, but if there had been one, I would have left during it.

Good acting. A little old fashioned story.