"From Russia With Love" - two hilarious comedies by Anton Chekhow
The Russian writer Anton Chekhov is doubly distinguished as one of the world’s most accomplished short story authors and one of the most influential of all modern dramatists. He wrote both the two short comedies featured in tonight’s production in 1888 to help support his family while he was a medical student. They are among the funniest plays ever written.
“The Bear” and “The Marriage Proposal” belong to the literary category of farce, or vaudeville, one of the most popular forms of entertainment on the Russian stage at the time. The sole purpose of vaudeville was to provide amusing and refreshing entertainment apart from any in-depth characterization or social criticism.
When “The Bear” appeared onstage, however, it was immediately recognized for a liveliness and originality that far outshone other vaudevilles of the day. Its appearance marked Chekhov’s theatrical debut, and the play immediately became a favorite with Russians, both in the cities and the provinces.
“The Bear” is a riveting portrayal of an encounter between an inconsolable widow and a creditor who rudely demands immediate payment of a sum of money owed by her late husband. When the widow Popova delays, the creditor Smirnov makes light of her mourning. The pair then angrily spar over the relative constancy of women and men in love. While comedy predominates in Chekhov’s script, the play also examines male and female stereotypes and the rigid codes of behavior in late nineteenth century Russia.
A Marriage Proposal,” written within a few days of “The Bear,” premiered some ten months later and proved almost equally popular. Its plot turns on mutual misunderstandings. A country gentleman and the neighbor whom he wishes to marry fall in love despite their obsession with self.
Both comedies demonstrate just how frightfully close human relationships can hover between civility and passion, logic and blind fury, love and hate. With their love of talk and the physical ailments which assail them at the onset of any emotional pain, the characters here foreshadow those of Chekhov’s later, better-known dramas.
Erin Burchwell
Artistic Director
Sunday, April 26, the Cast will be conducting a “Talk Back” where students and fellow audience members can discuss the Production, Shakespeare, Rosebriar and the actors’ experiences.
The Theater Vault Critic loved it! Read her review here.
From Russia with Love
Two Hilarious Chekhov
Farces on Love
Apr. 24, 25 - 7:00 pm
Apr. 26- 2 pm with talkback
May 1, 2- 7:00 pm
Groveport Town Hall
648 Main St., Groveport, OH 43125
For reservations call:
614-836-7939
Ticket prices:
Adults: $10 pre-sale, $12 at door
Children/Students/Seniors:
$8 pre-sale, $10 at door
Box office:
Go Groveport!
607 Main St,
Groveport, OH 43125
614-836-7939
Special Dinner presentation:
May 4 - 3:00 pm
Ravenwood Castle
65666 Bethel Road
New Plymouth, Ohio 45654
For reservations call:
Toll Free: 800-477-1541
Local: 740-596-2606
Cast & Crew
Christian Bullinger is pleased to make this his first performance with Rosebriar. Christian has been acting on the stage and helping behind the scenes since his 7th grade year in school. He has played such roles as Major Metcalf in The Mousetrap, "Jeffrey" in The Curious Savage, and "Ivan Vassilyitch" in a 2006 production of A Marriage Proposal. Christian plans to graduate from high school next year and attend OSU the following semester.
Erin Burchwell has been involved with Rosebriar productions for the past three seasons. She appeared on stage as Maria in Twelfth Night and Emilia in Othello and has helped behind the scenes with several other shows. Erin has been directing productions since her college days. She has directed and designed such shows as The Romancers, The Mousetrap, Great Expectations, School for Husbands, The Curious Savage and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Shes serves as the speech/drama coach and play director for a private school in Westerville and
Joel B. Cohen
From short-lived dreams of dancing fame – a full scholarship to Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and classes at NYCB and ABT circa 1972 – to occasional roles in music and dance performances, including tap dancing and singing in Port Tobacco Players’ Anything Goes in 1988, Joel spent the interim years working as an economist and raising his two children. With both kids in college and beyond, Joel’s filling the empty nest with participation in central Ohio theater, having appeared in productions of Actors’ Theatre (Macbeth, Cyrano De Bergerac), Gallery Players (Urinetown, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Parade), Rosebriar Shakespeare (Othello, King Lear, A Marriage Proposal), Wagnall’s Family Theater (It’s A Wonderful Life), and Worthington Community Theater (Annie Get Your Gun). Still taking BalletMet classes when possible, advisory board member of OhioDance, member of Agudas Achim, still working as an economist during the day.
Ellen Knolls
I am pleased to be working with Rosebriar for the first time. Some of my theater credits include, The Hopper Collection, Unidentified Human Remains, Tony and Tina's Wedding, Hungry Hearts, I Never Sang For My Father and The Life and Times of Tulsa Love Child. I would like to thank my kids for their patience and cooperation during rehearsals and Dan for his love and support.
Lynn Moyer
This is Lynn’s second play with Rosebriar, although she has been active in theater from a young age. This is also Lynn’s second show as Stage Manager. It is an honor to be able to work with the many talented people we have here at Rosebriar. Lynn wishes to thank the cast, crew, and especially the director, Erin, whom without patience this show would not have been able to have come to life the way it has. A special thanks to family and friends for their support. Thanks guys!!
Daniel Patrick Smail
Loka: this is Daniel's 15th production with Rosebriar, last seen in King Lear as Edgar. Daniel is very happy to be working with new actors in this two part play by Chekov, in The Bear. Daniel favorite part has been Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet, Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew and Edgar in King Lear, those being with Rosebriar, Otto the III in Age of Wolves with Bread and Circus. Daniel is also a singer starring in The Music Man and The Adventures of Robin Hood as the Shrieff of Nottinghim. "From all of is in the cast, thank you for coming out"
Dan Welsh This is Dan's first production with Rosebriar, but he has been involved with the Columbus theatre scene for ten years. Most recently appearing in The Internationalist with Available Light Theatre, Brooklyn Boy at Gallery Players (for which he received a Theatre Roundtable award for Excellence in Acting) and The Hopper Collection with Evolution Theatre Company. He has also been seen with Actor's Theatre, Blueforms Theatre Group, Reality Theatre and others. He wrote and performed a one-man show, "Half Full ... Of It" for the Toronto International Fringe Festival in 2006 and has also written for the stage here in Columbus. Dan has studied in Los Angeles and Columbus.
