It’s Chekhov without the birch trees. After taking aim at "The Seagull" with "Stupid F*cking Bird," Aaron Posner is back with an irreverent contemporary remix of "Uncle Vanya." Egos clash, hearts hunger, and souls cry out for meaning. Life staggers. Life confounds. Life is beautiful.
See it if Interesting and engaging adaptation of the original. Well acted and staged. Overall entertaining and thought-provoking.
Don't see it if Writing can be droning at points.
See it if You enjoy character dramas. Talented ensemble. There are some great scenes.
Don't see it if Show feels a little long - some parts dragged.
See it if You want to see a truly inspired take on Uncle Vanya. Great writing/acting/set/lighting/costumes and direction. Even moments of improv work.
Don't see it if You’re a purist. This is not your classic Uncle Vanya. They break the fourth wall. I think it works beautifully but it is quirky.
Also There were moments of pure genius! The “Three Things I Love” scene mad... Read more Read less
See it if Fresh, modernized take on UV. The acting convinced me that this was a crotchety family. Some very funny moments. Lots of emoting.
Don't see it if You don't want to listen to people complain about being unhappy for 2 1/2 hours. You don't like 4th wall breaks & audience participation.
See it if u liked 2016's Stupid Fu**ing Bird & want to see Posner's latest comic riff on Chekhov about self-discovery & finding one's passion in life.
Don't see it if you don't like your fourth wall broken (repeatedly); you prefer your Chekhov traditionally staged; you are already a self-actualized person.
Also Not everything that Posner stuffs into this 2 1/2-hour therapy session... Read more Read less
See it if Posner's meta send-up/take-down of Chekhov's Vanya is very very clever and very very melancholy Well acted esp by Biehl, Bowers & Pendleton
Don't see it if Can get a little precious for its own good esp when breaking 4th wall Staging often clumsy Works best when Chekhovian rhythms come through
See it if Austin Pendleton is a must for us. Mostly do not like interactive with audience but this show makes it fun. Set is a delight. Like the space
Don't see it if "Wild' a problem for us re: public transportation but the weekends are a horror.(Great eating places in the area atone)
See it if you'd enjoy a great troupe of actors on an excellent set bringing a wacky cast of characters to life in a well-written play about life.
Don't see it if you do not like plays that break the fourth wall or that rework the writing of others in a contemporary vein with rough language.
Also Excellent sound and lights.
See it if you enjoyed "Stupid Fucking Bird" & like seeing Chekhov satirized, "Moscow Moscow etc" was too over the top for you, fan of Austin Pendleton
Don't see it if Chekhov is sacred to you & never be satirized/updated, didn't like Posner's prior take on Chekhov, you want verbal slapstick as in"Moscow"
See it if innovative work interests you. While it is based on Uncle Vanya, it is also creatively ambitious breaking the 4th in amusing ways.
Don't see it if plays that focus on family interactions do not interest you even if it is a somewhat odd family.
See it if Loose and abstract adaptation of Uncle Vanyan themes.Backstage rehearsal space (23) scenes of the connections and contradictions of love.
Don't see it if Audience decides conclusion. Smoking.Profanity throughout.Fourth-wall crackage. "You can't really understand where you are until you leave."
Also "You have to settle for the Steve Buscemi's."
See it if very clever script; turns Chek's characters into passionate fully-drawn characters; hilariously breaks 4th wall
Don't see it if cleverness of play hard 2 appreciate unless u know Chek's play well; loses fervor when becomes gen'l consideration how 2 lead a happy life
See it if You enjoy updated, modern-language versions of classic plays. You like meta works. You want to see process incorporated into a play.
Don't see it if You don't want a play that needs to explain itself. You don't want to hear the actors' character homework. You want to see Uncle Vanya.
See it if Different Uncle Vanya that works great with the characters asking the audience (sometime) questions.
Don't see it if If you want the traditional only. The F word is use. It is long show.
See it if Modern day take on Uncle Vanya; well directed and acted; just enough audience participation, playfulness, self loathing and drama.
Don't see it if The play is very enjoyable with one major issue - second act is too long and drawn out. Would be better as 1 1/2 hr play, no intermission.
See it if you want to see a unique take on the classic, "Uncle Vanya". This play is very funny, flies by quickly, and offers a master class in acting.
Don't see it if you are nervous about actors breaking the 4th wall, & speaking directly to the audience. Other than that, this is a grand night of theatre.
See it if You like Uncle Vanya in an updated version by the multi-talented Wheelhouse Theater Co. Funny/depressing with direct audience talk.
Don't see it if You dislike long plays- 2 hr 20 min, 10 min intermission, Dislike talky Chekhov, Are down on life
Also Excellent cast includes Austin Pendleton, perfect as the pompous, old,... Read more Read less
See it if You appreciate new takes on classic plays.
Don't see it if You don't appreciate new takes on classic plays.
See it if You want a fresh, fun take on an old heavy classic. Phenomenal acting from everyone. It doesn't take itself seriously. A bit absurd.
Don't see it if You want a drama. Fourth wall breaks and audience participation. Sometimes a little slow.
See it if you want to see another Aaron Posner redo of Chekhov and if you have a high tolerance for hearing the F word.
Don't see it if you don't like players to address the audience and ask them questions or if you feel that Chekhov is not to be messed with.
See it if U enjoy plays which poke fun at life and people, are excellent portrayals of a myriad of characters, transmit life lessons worth learning
Don't see it if talky plays are not your thing
See it if You are in a patient mood. It could give you a head ache if you’re not careful
Don't see it if You you’re looking for Chekhov.
See it if intrigued by posited statements, might think LifeSucks. already, want 2 C well acted, written, directed new work, want a show to share
Don't see it if fear the statement, believe LifeSucks already & nothing will change your mind, wouldn't like riff on Chekhov, need constant hilarity
See it if you like plays about the human experience that make you think and consider life. Great acting and writing.
Don't see it if you don't like breaking the fourth wall (there is a lot), prefer to see a traditional Chekhov play, or hated Posner's Stupid F*cking Bird