Theatre: Anton Chekov Magnum Opus ‘Three Sisters’ Consummates in Chicago
CHICAGO – Sometimes the best gifts take the longest trek.
After five months of rehearsal, the Chicago theatre company by the same name – The Gift – makes your excursion to the snug space in Jefferson Park an energizing dowry with the intrepid production of “Three Sisters”.
“Three Sisters”
Photo courtesy of The Gift Theatre
It’s an Anton Chekov magnum opus that has been brought to life by artistic director Michael Patrick Thornton.
In classic Chekov style, “Three Sisters” is more about what doesn’t happen than what does. The performance is armed with ingenious writing, a copious cast, phenomenal acting, period costuming and an emotional overload of feeling.
Set in 1897 in an unnamed Russian town of 100,000, the story centers around three sisters who long for but are far from Moscow.
That city is their utopia. Despite initially upbeat notions, their town is an abyss of anguish. The production’s axis spins primarily around loss, adultery, despair and indifference.
Be forewarned: Coupled with all the doom and gloom, you’ll be committing to a lengthy evening (about three hours), oceans of dialogue and a somewhat pricey ticket.
Also, you may end up sweating in your seat because the house lowers the A/C due to its sound. That said, all the choking on life is entirely worth it.
Thornton believes The Gift’s oath to a meticulous rehearsal process emphasizing an ensemble approach gels with Chekov’s only script written for a specific ensemble.
This stylization of “Three Sisters” comes from The Lab, which is an ensemble-only forum from The Gift dedicated to growth and exploration.
The director realizes that Chekov held a mirror up to nature and saw a world chock full of explosions, implosions, compromises, drunken evenings and feisty dinners. Thornton’s intention is to the drama of life rather than the drama in life.
The Gift’s setting of a true actor’s theatre fittingly utilizes a wealth of Steppenwolf-schooled artists with credits galore.
Lead actors exude purely powerful and eccentric characteristics while supporting cast members exhibit equally potent, punchy and memorable performances.
“Three Sisters” runs through Sept. 30 at the Gift Theatre. 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets cost $15 to $25.
By Adam Fendelman
Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
© 2007 Adam Fendelman, HollywoodChicago.com
After five months of rehearsal, the Chicago theatre company by the same name – The Gift – makes your excursion to the snug space in Jefferson Park an energizing dowry with the intrepid production of “Three Sisters”.
“Three Sisters”
Photo courtesy of The Gift Theatre
It’s an Anton Chekov magnum opus that has been brought to life by artistic director Michael Patrick Thornton.
In classic Chekov style, “Three Sisters” is more about what doesn’t happen than what does. The performance is armed with ingenious writing, a copious cast, phenomenal acting, period costuming and an emotional overload of feeling.
Set in 1897 in an unnamed Russian town of 100,000, the story centers around three sisters who long for but are far from Moscow.
That city is their utopia. Despite initially upbeat notions, their town is an abyss of anguish. The production’s axis spins primarily around loss, adultery, despair and indifference.
Be forewarned: Coupled with all the doom and gloom, you’ll be committing to a lengthy evening (about three hours), oceans of dialogue and a somewhat pricey ticket.
Also, you may end up sweating in your seat because the house lowers the A/C due to its sound. That said, all the choking on life is entirely worth it.
Thornton believes The Gift’s oath to a meticulous rehearsal process emphasizing an ensemble approach gels with Chekov’s only script written for a specific ensemble.
This stylization of “Three Sisters” comes from The Lab, which is an ensemble-only forum from The Gift dedicated to growth and exploration.
The director realizes that Chekov held a mirror up to nature and saw a world chock full of explosions, implosions, compromises, drunken evenings and feisty dinners. Thornton’s intention is to the drama of life rather than the drama in life.
The Gift’s setting of a true actor’s theatre fittingly utilizes a wealth of Steppenwolf-schooled artists with credits galore.
Lead actors exude purely powerful and eccentric characteristics while supporting cast members exhibit equally potent, punchy and memorable performances.
“Three Sisters” runs through Sept. 30 at the Gift Theatre. 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets cost $15 to $25.
By Adam Fendelman
Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
Labels: anton_chekov, theatre, three_sisters
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