Drunkle Vanya
Three Day Hangover presents a boozy, irreverent, and tragic take on Chekhov’s classic play "Uncle Vanya."
Staged in the recently opened Tolstoy’s Lounge on the upper level of Russian Samovar, this immersive production allows you to customize your experience by choosing your ticket "class." Dine like the imperial family at the Tsar's table where you'll enjoy a feast of fine foods, an open bar, and exclusive VIP seating. Join the aristocracy or bourgeoisie and see how the other half lives. Or save your rubles and hang with the working class and peasants by the bar.
- Official Site
- 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Already closed
- Tolstoy's Lounge Upstairs at The Russian Samovar (Midtown W)
Cast & Creatives (10)
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Reviews (62)
11 Critics' Reviews
"Sensitive acting mixed with superior displays of improv and hilarious audience participation make 'Drunkle Vanya' an immersive delight...Improbably and cleverly, Chekhov’s tone and intentions survive the mayhem. This is chiefly due to the superb work of the ensemble who rapidly shift back and forth from their intense characterizations to the collaborative silliness with the audience...An exhilarating yet thoughtful event." Full Review
“A performance that is both hilarious and touching. The text is presented irreverently, with modern references peppered throughout, and yet the expertly delivered one-liners and physical comedy do not derail the serious work...Throughout, this committed, talented ensemble breeze back and forth across the fourth wall. In their skilled hands, the co-existence of broad comedy and serious storytelling hovers securely on the brink of chaos to the audience’s delight.” Full Review
"What keeps the show afloat are its thespian tipplers. The free-wheeling six-member troupe ingeniously capture the Chekhovian mood of doom and gloom and infuse it into the motley characters...Its artists never over-reach themselves, except perhaps when they reach for a bottle of Smirnoff Ice on the top shelf...There's nothing highbrow about this production. However, it will not only whet your whistle but will re-whet your appetite for Chekhov." Full Review
"This restaurant feels like a portal to Moscow with its extensive menu of infused vodkas, dim lighting, and an overly enthusiastic piano player who can be heard from their second floor...Perhaps because of the free-flowing alcohol or conversational tone and audience interactions, this 'Vanya' doesn’t deliver Chekhov’s signature cathartic wallop of despair. Elements of gallows humor are amped up and provide the momentum for this lost clan to carry on." Full Review
"What I was not prepared for was its sheer joy at relishing its own inventive and imaginative zest. Lori Wolter Hudson has masterfully made it so modern audiences can encounter poor old Uncle Vanya and his circumstances and feel no pain...None of the drinking games really enhance the poignant moments in Chekhov’s 'Uncle Vanya.' Oh well, we didn’t come to see his version of 'Uncle Vanya' but to be enraptured by a youthful 'drunkle' Vanya, and to have fun making fun of neurotic, horrible people." Full Review
"Adapter and director, Lori Wolfer Hudson, has (re)created Anton Chekhov’s 'Uncle Vanya' in an unforgettably fresh, riotous, immersive production...Marvelously off-the-wall, this streamlined version of the play is true to the plot. Given that Chekhov’s stories are character-driven, there is no greater testament to the excellence of these actors...'Drunkle Vanya' is inspired brilliance. It is adoringly irreverent, fabulously original and hands-down irresistible." Full Review
"Awesomely funny (but not only funny) performance...Now I know how to enjoy live theater. Apparently it involves sprawling out on a comfortable couch, having unlimited amounts of vodka, pretty decent actors doing great Russian theater for (mostly, but not entirely) laughs (while listening to the guy on the piano bar downstairs the entire time)...It was crazy in (almost) only good ways, with lots of clever dialogue, enforced drinking and up-to-the-minute asides that (almost) all worked." Full Review
"This 'Vanya' literally revels in upending notions of the traditional Chekhovian vie de château, spinning it on its own head by juxtaposing early 20th-century charms against the more modern quirks of early 21st-century life...Yes, it certainly looks and feels like Russia at first glance—but just as one settles in, things start to get interestingly subversive...A unique immersive experience, making for one thoroughly entertaining night out." Full Review
for a previous production "Whether you are a theater enthusiast, wholly familiar with Chekhov's plays, or encountering his work for the first time, you will enjoy a night with ‘Drunkle Vanya'…A great deal of credit must be given to the cast of 'Drunkle Vanya' as they strike the right tenor between fine performances of Chekhov's prose while effectively satirizing some of the plot's elements…Even with humorous interludes Chekhov's drama is wholly intact, a powerful human experience." Full Review
for a previous production "Enthusiasts should know that this not your average Chekhov. But when you get hints of the original scattered throughout the dialogue, it makes the evening worthwhile...The young company of six took the Chekhov family and brought high energy and hilarity to the usually heavy drama…Three Day Hangover did the unthinkable and made Chekhov bearable and cool. The incorporation of every adult's favorite dirty game was a clever idea that kept the audience engaged." Full Review
for a previous production "Three Day Hangover knocks it out of the park (or bar) once again with 'Drunkle Vanya.' Family dramas are one of my favorites, and 'Vanya' certainly delivers…The best part of ‘Drunkle Vanya,’ as with many Three Day Hangover productions, is the actual play itself. Lori Wolter Hudson does an impeccable job of adapting 'Vanya' while also maintaining the dramatic heart of the piece. Her direction is just as strong, as the actors create interesting and varied pictures." Full Review
51 Members' Reviews
See it if you like comedies
Don't see it if you don't like comedies
See it if Like clever, entertaining, immersive theater - with an improvisational twist, where the audience is "safe" in an intimate environment.
Don't see it if You only like Chekhov done "straight."
See it if you think putting Uncle Vanya in a blender with Cards Against Humanity = a fun night out with friends. Audience participation encouraged.
Don't see it if you're in AA. Or need to be. The vodka flows freely, as does the Smirnoff's, the Michelob (no idea), etc. etc.
See it if you want a unique experience full of profanity, booze, ample interaction, and the required chugging of cheap white-girl drinks.
Don't see it if you don't approve of alcohol, don't like parties, don't like fun, are determined that Chekhov must be stuffy, or are a boring individual.
Also I've never liked Chekhov. This show fixed that. This show also made me... Read more Read less
See it if You enjoy non-traditional takes on the classics. You want a fun night out. You enjoy immersive staging.
Don't see it if You want to see a traditional version of Uncle Vanya. You hate drinking games. You don't like immersive productions.
Also While the show has "Drunk" as part of its title, it can be enjoyed w/ ... Read more Read less
See it if you like to eat and drink while being entertained. Being part of the show in an intimate setting.
Don't see it if you want to just sit and watch and not interact.
See it if you enjoy Chekhov plays and Russian melodrama generally, parodies, drinking alcohol or humor about drinking even if you don't drink alcohol
Don't see it if you are offended or displeased by modern parody of a Russian classic, raunchy actions or jokes, or audience drinking participation and games
See it if you are familiar with Uncle Vanya and want to see a fresh take on the material; you enjoy raunchy humor
Don't see it if you only enjoy standard, linear works; you cannot stand audience participation
See it if you don't mind profanity, like interactive shows, liked Drunk Shakespeare
Don't see it if you get offended easily, don't like or understand Cards Against Humanity
See it if You like Chekhov and/or drinking. :)
Don't see it if You find Chekhov deadly boring, or don't want a small, immersive show w some audience participation.
See it if you're a fan of Drunk Shakespeare; you find Chekhov valuable, but overserious and rather interesting; you want vodka with your bleak plays.
Don't see it if You don't like cursing and drinking, or if you're looking for a straight translation of Chekhov.
Also Great value for a night out! If you don't like the playwright (or the ... Read more Read less
See it if you are familiar with Chekhov and want to eat good food with drink in a casual setting
Don't see it if you are looking for traditional theater and dislike audience participation
See it if you like interactive theater or you were a huge fan of Drunk Shakespeare and want something similar.
Don't see it if there's anything you didn't like about Drunk Shakespeare. To me, this is just a less successful version of that.
Also Not to take anything away from the acting - I feel like that was good,... Read more Read less
See it if You like new takes on classic Russian novels. Includes games and drinking.
Don't see it if You like your classics as you read them
See it if ..you like Cards Against Humanity ..you like drinking games ..you want to eat, drink and see a show at the same time
Don't see it if ..you want to see Chekhov ..don't like to be destructed by the music from the restaurant downstairs
See it if You like very modernized versions of old classics, complete with modern references, and in this case, a little cards against humanity!
Don't see it if You don't like audience participation, rowdy/ boisterous theater, theater in the round with the actors right in front/ walking right by you.
See it if You like to drink or eat Russian food or if you love playing cards against humanity
Don't see it if You want to avoid 2 item / $15 min venues or if you prefer a traditional show ...
See it if You enjoy a fun time and a hilarious new take on a new classic
Don't see it if You want purely serious theatre, or hate Cards Against Humanity
See it if You're a Chekhov fan, or if you love to participate in the show! It's a delightful night of booze, Vanya and Cards Against Humanity.
Don't see it if You don't drink, or if you've find base humor offensive. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's a wonderful show, skillfully performed.
See it if Looking for a fun night, while not so concerned with the quality of the show itself. Or if you're a fan of Drunk Shakespeare.
Don't see it if You're looking for classic Chekhov or don't like interacting with a show.
Also I loved Drunk Shakespeare, and while Drunkle Vanya is set up similarly... Read more Read less
See it if Enjoy Russian vodka, bar scenes, theater All wrapped up in a lounge.Story line was OK but atmosphere, being part of the show was pure fun.
Don't see it if You're expecting typical theater.this is cozy lounge with comfy seating, drinks, food with actors at your feet.Interactive
See it if You like Cards Against Humanity, modern parodies of classic plays and chanting while ppl drink. This was so much fun. I want to go again.
Don't see it if You don't like frivolity, audience participation, raucous laughter or reckless drinking. Good times, folks.
See it if You just want to get together with friends and have some drinks and not care about any performance.
Don't see it if You intend on seeing something of a play other than just people running around and drinking.
See it if to experience chamber type entertainment infused with vodka, like to experience something offbeat and are of younger generation
Don't see it if you expect traditional play, dont like participatory performances, are not young at heart. open to new wacky encounter
See it if you want a fun night out with a good story plus drinking game
Don't see it if you get easily offended