Photo by Joan Marcus

If Ms. Lane alone isn't enough to seal the deal, the Roundabout has also gathered a host of stage veterans in one of the most impressive casts assembled on Broadway so far this season. The Tony and Oscar-winning "Master of Ceremonies" himself Joel Grey takes on the role of Firs, whilst Tony winner John Glover plays Gaev, three-time Tony nominee Celia Keenan-Bolger portrays Varya, and Tony winner Chuck Cooper takes on Simeonov-Pischik. A special mention also goes to Harold Perrineau who makes a strong Broadway debut as Lopakin. We recently caught up with cast member John Glover to find out how this wonderful gathering of greats gelled together.

Click HERE to read our interview with John Glover.

So, this is by no means a classic period revival of one of Chekhov's most widely produced plays. Stephen Karam - the Tony-winning playwright of Broadway's The Humans - offers an adaptation quite unlike any other. Who would benefit most from seeing this production? Well, I feel like if you are a Chekhov aficionado, who has seen The Cherry Orchard more times than you care to remember and you recognise its themes and know the narrative like the back of your hand, this may be quite the interesting exercise to see a completely unique adaptation. To try and decipher what the play is telling us about the world today and how it relates to this turbulent time in American history may prove to be a rewarding experience.

There are thought-provoking timeless elements to the production - from Scott Pask's highly stylised scenic design with the entire action taking place within the confines of a sawn-off tree trunk, to Michael Krass' costume design seemingly put together through the ages. Donald Holder should also be commended for his expressive lighting design, constantly setting just the right tone to accompany the action on stage. And as for the action, I have seen Chekhov productions in the past whose plodding and slogging pace have seemed to age me considerably by the time the final curtain falls, whereas this Roundabout revival certainly does its best to keep up a faster pace, with actors darting about, chattering incessantly and dancing frenetically.

Diane Lane and Joel Grey offer heart-wrenching final moments on stage as their fates, and indeed the fate of the cherry orchard itself, are sealed. Moments like these are what we live for in the theatre.

Click here for tickets to The Cherry Orchard, which is booking through to December 4th, 2016 at Broadway's American Airlines Theatre.

- by Tom Millward