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First Look at Conor McPherson’s Adaptation of Uncle Vanya
The highly anticipated adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s classic play Uncle Vanya, helmed by Olivier Award-winning playwright Conor McPherson, is generating excitement ahead of its debut, featuring well-known actor Hugh Bonneville in the lead role. This reinterpretation presents a poignant exploration of the struggle between inertia and transformation, wrapped in a comedic yet heartbreaking narrative.
The story unfolds within the confines of a rural estate, where the return of its elderly proprietor, accompanied by his new, much younger wife, triggers a chain of upheaval. The plot thickens as existing tensions among the residents come to the surface, marriages face their breaking points, and a mix of heartfelt revelations, strong emotions, and perhaps too much vodka fuel the interactions. As chaos ensues, the characters are pushed to their limits—leading to moments that may even involve drawn weapons.
The cast boasts a diverse array of talent, including Tony Award-winner John Benjamin Hickey, known for his performance in The Normal Heart, along with a talented ensemble featuring Ito Aghayere (Star Trek: Picard), Melanie Field (A League of Their Own), and Sharon Lockwood (Mrs. Doubtfire). Additional cast members include Kina Kantor, Tom Nelis, Nancy Robinette, and Craig Wallace. Understudies for the production consist of Anne Darragh, James Whalen, and John Leslie Wolfe.
In terms of production design, the creative team behind Uncle Vanya includes Robert Brill for scenic design, with Susan Hilferty and Heather Freedman managing costume designs. The technical aspects are overseen by Jen Shriever (lighting design) and Darron West (sound design). The stage management team features Elisa Guthertz as stage manager and Leigh Robinette as assistant stage manager, with production assistance from Trinity Wicklund. The dramaturgy is guided by Drew Lichtenberg, the STC Artistic Producer, with casting managed by Karina Fox and STC’s resident casting director, Danica Rodriguez.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com