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Three Sisters by New Village Arts  Anton Chekhov was a master craftsman of characters, which
makes an excellent marriage with New Village Arts with their newly created
ensemble full of some of San Diego’s greatest actors who can fill such
well-written characters with soul. Four years ago they put on an impressive
production of Uncle Vanya. This year they are tackling Three Sisters,
doing so in rep with the updated relative to Three Sisters, Crimes of
the Heart.This show takes us into a small town in 1890s-Russia where the three Prozorov sisters yearn for an extraordinary life. Olga (Kristianne Kurner) is the elder and more sensible of the sisters, with nicely subtle Kristianne steadying herself against getting too excited when things appear to be going well, and trying to be the rock when life’s tragedies descend. Masha (Jessica John) begins the play as a moody, irritated wife whose passion for life is rekindled with the introduction to an eloquent, philosophical colonel from Moscow. Francis Gercke is both the show’s insightful director and Colonel Vershinin, playing him with such modesty and sincerity that we understand Masha’s growing attraction. An attraction that her husband turns a blind eye to. Manny Fernandes’s spot-on portrayal of the kind, eager, but bad conversationalist husband humors us while making us feel truly sorry for him. And then there’s the third sister, the focal point of the story, the idealistic Irina, played with such soft yet bright and contagious charm by Amanda Sitton. Making her slow disintegration all the more powerful as life’s events keep falling far short of her youthful dreams. Tom Zohar is the brother of the three sisters, beginning the show as a young man with great artistic promise who marries Natasha. Big mistake. Natasha (Wendy Waddell) transforms from a flustered and insecure fiancé to a cruel and selfish snob. Tom Zohar’s monologue begins with him turned away from the audience as he defends himself and his wife to his sisters. When the sisters leave, he turns to us, apologizing quietly to himself and us for all the harm he has done. It’s a very effective touch. The all-star ensemble also includes Ron Choularton as the world-weary, alcoholic Doctor Chebutykin. Jack Missett is a comic-relief everyman and June Gottleib is the nervous, elderly house servant. John Garcia is the unnerving Captain Solyony with a touch of disturbing insanity in his eyes and quiet menace in his voice and body language. And Daren Scott is the gentle and loving Baron Tusenbach eager to marry the lovely and equally gentle Irina even though she doesn’t love him, sharing an unforgettable last scene with her before he has to face another of life’s senseless tragedies.Performs through March 18, 2007. ~ Cast ~
Olga Prozorov: Kristianne Kurner Irina Prozorov: Amanda Sitton Masha Prozorov: Jessica John Anfisa: June Gottleib Baron Tusenbach: Daren Scott Doctor Chebutykin: Ron Choularton Captain Solyony: John Garcia Ferapont: Jack Missett Colonel Vershinin: Francis Gercke Andrey Prozorov: Tom Zohar Fyodor Kulygin: Manny Fernandes Natasha: Wendy Waddell Fedotik: Adam Brick Roddey: Kristian Mertz Director: Francis Gercke Costume Design: Jessica John Lighting Design: Eric Lotze Sound Design: Adam Brick Scenic Design: Kristianne Kurner Properties Design: Pat Hansen Stage Manager: Amanda Morrow |