The Cherry Orchard (BAM)
BAM presents Chekhov’s masterpiece about a family on the edge of ruin and a country on the brink of revolution performed by St. Petersberg's Maly Drama Theatre in a new adaptation.
... Read moreMaly Drama Artistic Director and world renowned theatre artist Lev Dodin directs this new adaptation of Chekhov's classic. Set in Russia at the turn of the twentieth century, the story chronicles a noblewoman's return to her family estate after a five-year absence to escape troubling memories of her son's death. Lyubov Ranevskaya arrives home to find the cherry orchard in full bloom, but the finances of the estate on the verge of ruin.
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- 3 hours
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- BAM - Harvey Lichtenstein Theater (Brooklyn)
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Reviews (29)
6 Critics' Reviews
"A superb revival...Director Lev Dodin is judicious in his adaptation, hacking through the weeds to get us right into this conflict of class, pride, and economic reality. The result is a production with the breezy pace of a comedy, but the emotional heft of a tragedy. It perfectly encapsulates the dueling impulses of this famously contentious play...The unadulterated commitment of the entire cast leaves the most lasting impression...Chekhov's text comes alive under the production." Full Review
"Chekhov fans got a little thrill when they heard that Maly Drama Theatre was coming to town...Yet the version now at BAM limps along, striking muffled notes that should be clear. The Maly actors shout and mug; there's little magic, no balance and barely any dynamic control...Dodin has staged an 'Orchard' that elaborates on all kinds of facets—he adds sexual high jinks and much violent business. He adds so much, but edits out Chekhov's sympathy. That, I found, was a cut too deep." Full Review
"It is possible to appreciate the cleverness of Mr. Dodin’s approach yet initially find it tedious...But the pace speeds up significantly after intermission. Some bits of business that Mr. Dodin invested in earlier, at last pay poignant dividends. Greater risks are taken and these have their rewards, too. It is here that this 'Cherry Orchard' comes into blossom, speaking not only to the time of its creation but also to contemporary Russia, and more universally, too. " Full Review
"The Maly Drama Theatre’s production of ‘The Cherry Orchard’, though exasperating, is also entertaining and, to a small degree, revelatory. The director, Lev Dodin, imposed way too many of his own ideas on the delicate structure, in the process making questionable choices. The focus too often strays to a piece of silly business…Dodin uses the conceit of a silent movie to impart the image of the cherry orchard...This is actually lovely, and the one idea that works.” Full Review
"Rarely does a revival come along that allows us to experience a classic as if for the first time, and see it in an entirely new light. Such is the case with the brilliant revival of Chekhov’s 'The Cherry Orchard' by the Maly Drama Theatre...Lev Dodin, its fearless director, has made some daring and unconventional choices with Chekhov’s beloved masterpiece that elevate this production to one of the most thrilling I’ve seen in my theatre-going lifetime." Full Review
for a previous production "The artistic vision that Dodin shared with us was sometimes exquisite, sometimes as powerful as a hammer hitting an anvil...Dodin's direction is marvelous, but his creation takes wings thanks to Danila Kozlovsky's prodigious performance of Lopakhin. He is strong, smart, generous and conflicted...One of the strongest Dodin productions I have seen." Full Review
23 Members' Reviews
See it if you like the cast. they were good. if you know the story cause it will help
Don't see it if if you do not know the story.
See it if you're a fan of Chekov (I'm not particularly but this is a great work of his) and want to see masterful performances.
Don't see it if you listen to professional critics (I almost didn't go because of the NYX' scathing pan). Either the director retooled or the critic on LSD.
See it if you want to hear it in the original Russian; a deeply serious take on this play, with remarkable acting
Don't see it if don't like to read subtitles
See it if Poor translation, glitzed up party scene, gem of a performance by Joel Grey but the original flavor lost
Don't see it if If you cherish the original witty , sad, and melancholy script. l
See it if you just want to see known actors on stage.
Don't see it if you want to see good actors who just don't deliver.
See it if you like Chekov
Don't see it if you don't like Chekov, or plays in another language where you have to read supertitles
See it if you want to see something entirely in Russian (with English subtitles). If you can help it, sit in the orchestra to have a full view.
Don't see it if long plays (3hrs, 1 intermission) aren't your thing. This is in Russian so be prepared to be engaged and reading subtitles the whole time.
See it if You want a tougher night at the theater than Matilda. You want to see Chekhov performed to its intentions.
Don't see it if You don't want to listen to Russian with English subtitles for three hours.
See it if you think the cherry on top of a good revival is a freshness that brings out new flavors. Many actors & staging ideas are pick of the crop.
Don't see it if playing with the text, a lack of clarity, slow 1st act & problematic central performance will leave a bad taste in your mouth.
See it if If you want to see a solid Chekhov production an don't mind Russian language
Don't see it if If you prefer theater in English
See it if you're interested in seeing this play in its original Russian. But this production's level of melancholy is excruciating, even for Chekhov.
Don't see it if you'd hate the theatrical equivalent of dealing with a drunk friend sulking about their break-up for 3 hours. Excessive and unearned.
See it if This is a fascinating, revelatory Chekhov production with an outstanding ensemble. One of the best Cherry Orchards I've seen.
Don't see it if you don't want to read English subtitles and sit through 2 3/4 hours of a Chekhov dramedy that is heavier on the drama than the comedy.
See it if you are open to a fresh insight into this classic Chekhov. Acting is superb and the director's concept opens the play to new revelations.
Don't see it if you're looking for a traditional reading of this play. This is not a museum piece.
See it if You are into Chekhov.
Don't see it if You need to be entertained. Dry show, but not necessarily fault of actors.
See it if One of the terrific works of a grant playright.
Don't see it if If you want some thing light.
See it if You live drama and great writing.
Don't see it if You don't "get" smart writing.
See it if If you want to see a Chekhov it in its original language. It clearly played better in Russian based in the applause.
Don't see it if The play was disappointing. It was slow and wooden. The Russian language didn't add to the authenticity but rather made the characters seem
See it if You have never seen a Russian Theatre production. Direction is innovative and refreshing. Subtitles are not distraction from the acting.
Don't see it if It is long but worth the three hours. Can not watch live performances with subtitles. Do not like Chekhov.
See it if good magic show
Don't see it if hungery
See it if Love old plays
Don't see it if Want something current
See it if You've ever loved Shakespeare
Don't see it if You don't enjoy being absorbed
See it if you like unusual adaptations of classic work.
Don't see it if you haven't read the play.
See it if You're a theatre student
Don't see it if You hate chekhov