The Chekhov Dreams NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (28)
See it if You like romance with intellect.
Don't see it if Like political docudramas.
See it if you like an intelligent, well interpreted script. Brilliantly directed and very well acted. Modern love story with some dark overtones.
Don't see it if you insist on all your characters being living humans. Some deceased characters interact beautifully with the living. Read more
See it if You want to see people discussing Chekhov and what a "great/not great/great/not great" writer he was.
Don't see it if Obscure literary jokes and "will they, won't they" comedic romances aren't your thing. Read more
See it if You love great,committed acting, literary wit, a fast pace, good dialogue and a surprising tale that has at heart a love of Chekhov!
Don't see it if You don't like emotional tales, a bit of whimsy, and romantic, dreamlike conundrums Read more
See it if You want a well written witty smart play that parallels the art of playwriting. Great acting & intriguing plot keeps you engaged throughout.
Don't see it if No reason not to. Some cutting could be done near the end, but overall an enjoyable story well worth seeing.
See it if Conflicted suicidal writer torn between possessive dead girlfriend and cute young crush. Sexy romantic comedy with clever surprises.
Don't see it if Indulgent and belabored at times. The young girl was unconvincing. Would have preferred a more ambiguous ending.
See it if This is an entertaining play that feels very "pre-#metoo." But Chekhov -- my man! -- makes an appearance!
Don't see it if If you're a Chekhov fanatic, like myself, you'll be charmed but also confounded by the unsubtle message to leave things unsaid.
See it if you believe in life after death, lol. Want to see well-acted and engaging play about the intra-psychic difficulties of surviving a spouse.
Don't see it if You demand clarity and logic in theater. Read more
Critic Reviews (8)
"A delightful, humorous romp through eternal love and the literary life in a production which abounds with zany and fanciful twists...This intriguing and always spot-on play is a unique entertainment...The ensemble’s work is seamless, believable, and integrated in revealing the story...Leslie Kincaid Burby elucidates the production masterfully with enlightened interpretations, fine staging and specific, moment-to-moment direction."
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"Dana Watkins reaches into our hearts as the man inconsolable in his longing for what once was a perfect love...Elizabeth Inghram is the perfect dead lover...While this might seem like a chick flick or a mindless sitcom, there is more than meets the eye and ultimately this show is completely satisfying...This is a show that will make you like life and be glad that you went to the theatre. I recommend this show highly."
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"You can't help but enjoy' The Chekhov Dreams', a dark and witty world-premiere rom-com...Examines the psychology of love, life, loss, and dreams, in a clever contemporary mash-up of Chekhov’s 'The Seagull' and Hans Christian Andersen’s 'The Snow Queen'...Burby directs with mordant humor, underlying sensitivity, and engaging blocking...She fluidly navigates through the script's surprising shifts in mood, from fantasy to reality, risible behavior to demoralizing pain."
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"A humorous play that is not for every humor. A modern twist on Chekov’s 'The Seagull,' its jokes rise and thrive on your literary knowledge, and how intellectually stimulated you need to be for a laugh...It still only heats up those that LOVE classic novels and devour any chance for a pretentious snide...A charming cast...First half may wane a little bit in holding everyone’s interests. Yet, its second half is excellently paced, and grabs your attention."
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"Though it’s in need of some judicious trimming, John McKinney’s engagingly surreal romcom largely succeeds in building a delectable Dagwood sandwich of multiple genres, archetypes, and conventions...The wit and tenderness with which McKinney renders his vibrant characters give the audience both an enjoyable ride and something to talk about after the curtain falls...Watkins provides the show with a solid emotional core."
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"This turned out to be quite a charming romantic comedy with a twist. There are things I could pick apart - a somewhat inconsistent engagement with mental illness, or how the women still rather felt like props to the male narrative - but these are things which came up more for me after the show rather than during it. During the show, I was engaged and amused, laughing and investing in the characters on their journey...The ensemble here is terrific."
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"Everything appears to be just as it should be...Yet in spite of all that there's something just not right overall...The cast is a talented lot. While each player plays their part the problem with the ensemble is one of what appears to be nervous energy...There's also that unwavering feeling of trying too hard to please..The entire show runs a bit too long...There’s a gem of a show to be mined here but the excavation would have to go deep."
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"McKinney's dark, romantic comedy will fulfill all those theatregoers who enjoy Chekhov or yearn for a classic Greek tragedy...The design team work cohesively to add intrigue to the backdrop and with the characters of the play to successfully reinvent Chekhov's usually depressing ending; instead we are left feeling optimistic about love and a connectivity in life and hope for living another day...A compelling, well-produced and acted play, and deserving of a longer run."
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