Because Everyone Needs To See At Least One Chekhov Play
By Shannon Cudd
Everyone at some point in their life, takes a moment or two to get introspective. What were the choices that brought you to the present day? Mistakes? What would you do differently?These themes take center stage in Costa Mesa Playhouse’s production of Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya,” adapted by Andrew Upton.
Director Michael Serna was eager to bring Chekhov to his artistic home. A former artistic director, Serna remains deeply involved as the playhouse’s Vice President. He worked with Artistic Director Peter Kreder to craft a season of bold, challenging works by remarkable contemporary playwrights. Upton’s “Uncle Vanya” was a perfect choice for both of their visions.
“My belief is there are lots of amazing plays and playwrights that everybody should see once in their life,” Serna explained. “A bit of my mantra in theatre has been that many of these amazing plays get revived in New York but not everywhere else. Often in Orange County, because of the financial constraints on different theatres– especially smaller houses– they just can't take risks on some of these classics.” The Playhouse is in a position to fill this gap.
Set in the past but agnostic of a specific time period, the play tells the story of Ivan "Uncle Vanya" Voynitsky, who, along with his niece Sonya, maintains the rural Russian estate that supports Professor Serebryakov. When the aging professor and his beautiful younger wife, Yelena, visit, Vanya and Sonya’s quiet country life is disrupted. Vanya becomes disillusioned with his brother-in-law and enamored with Yelena. Meanwhile, Sonya pines for the village doctor, Astrov, while he also longs for Yelena. Without giving too much away, in true Chekhov fashion, there’s a gun in the third act -though not quite in the way you might expect. With so much disappointment and unrequited love, it is easy for this play to be heavy. Serna combats this by keeping the production bright and moving. “One of the things I love about Chekhov is that his plays are about common people,” he explained. “These are normal people trying to live their lives. We all hope we're making the right choices, taking the right path to happiness and success, but there are no guarantees.” Even in the bleakest moments, there is comedy to be found. Modern audiences are primed for this thanks to an appreciation for dark comedy. “We delve into human tragedies as a form of humor, or at least as a way of finding humor in them,” Serna mused.
With everything going on in the world, the themes of this play are more relevant than ever. “We're not that detached from Russia in the 1890s,” Serna explained. He promises to lean into the environmental and political aspects of the show through strong design and acting choices. The play also explores class differences and gender dynamics. The role of Yelena can often come across as one-dimensional, more of a caricature than a fully fleshed-out character. Armed with Upton’s adaptation and under Serna’s direction, Kendall Sinclair will deliver a complex woman doing what she thinks is best. While these characters ponder deep life questions, not all is lost in the world of the play. Sonya, played by Brooke Lewis Cruz, is “the perfect example of the possibility.” She is “the beacon of hope.” Serna believes audiences should come out to see this production because “everyone should see a Chekhov play in their life.” He may be biased, but he promises an amazing experience at the theatre. “It’s a very approachable play that’s easy to fall in love with,” he said. “I’ve brought together some of the best actors in Orange County for this show—it’s truly stacked with talent. Seeing these incredible performers bring this lovely play to life on stage is an experience you won’t want to miss.”
Shannon Cudd is a writer, actor, and theatre lover in Orange County, California.
“Uncle Vanya”Costa Mesa Playhouse
661 Hamilton Costa Mesa, CA
March 21 – April 13, 2025
(949) 650-5269, www.costamesaplayhouse.com
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