Taut direction and an impressive cast teases out all the humor and pathos of Chekhov’s classic
The Cherry Orchard, by Anton Chekhov, just opened at Miners Alley Playhouse in Golden, is an exciting new production featuring top-notch direction and powerful roster of local actors. This new version by Stephen Karam and directed by Len Matheo succeeds on all levels as a modern interpretation of the classic play. Whether it’s a drama or a comedy is up for debate, but suffice to say that it contains plenty of laughs as well as strong elements of loss and familial dysfunction.
Set in the early 20th century, The Cherry Orchard opens with the proceedings involving the sale of an estate and orchard owned by Lyubov (Mare Trevathan). On the surface, the sale is yet another suffering that Lyubov must endure, however, we are greeted with much fervor as she and her entourage return from Paris to the estate. Driving the sale is Lopakhin (Rob Payo) a self-made businessman making a concerted effort to move beyond his past life as the son of peasants.
We are introduced to colorful characters throughout, each having their own subplot that moves the action forward in different directions. Upon arrival, Lyubov is greeted by her brother Gaev (Brik Berkes), and her daughter Varya (Jenna Moll Reyes). We also meet Simeonov-Pischik (Logan Ernstthal) a local landowner who is ever optimistic — but also always broke and borrowing money from Lyubov. During a family picnic, we bump into Trofimov (Tanis Joaquin Gonzales), a tutor of Lyubov’s deceased son who is in love with Lyubov’s youngest daughter Anya (Kira Wendland) — who amiably reciprocates.
Samantha Piel and Brandon Billings
The household help at the estate is made up of a whole other set of curious characters. There is Yepikhodov (Matthew Murry), an introspective fellow and clerk; Charlotta Ivanovna (Amy Arpan), the quirky governess; Dunyasha (Samantha Piel), the nervous maid; and Firs (Tim Fishbaugh), an elderly, senile servant who has been loyal to the family for years (and whose main job seems to be handing out shots). Dunyasha receives the flirtatious attention of Yasha (Brandon Billings), a disagreeable manservant traveling with Lyubov.
The script is chock full of colorful characters, and the cast Matheo assembled to pull it off is simply tremendous. Each actor brings their A-game to the production, successfully defining their characters amid a 12-member cast on a small stage. Trevathan is deliciously appealing as Lyubov as she approaches yet another tragedy in her life with the sale of her beloved estate and orchard. Although a mostly tragic figure, Trevathan finds plenty of layers within the character for hope and humor. She’s resigned to the setbacks life is dealing out, and Trevathan depicts her as both flighty and grounded as she navigates the center of the action.
As the mastermind behind the sale of the estate and orchard, Payo as Lopakhin delivers a strong performance that moves the play forward as he advises Lyubov on how to save the property. Lopakhin is a complex character as he grapples with his past, and Payo hits all the right marks along the way. He masterfully delivers a surprise twist to the action in the second act that stops everyone in their tracks.
In a wonderfully comedic performance, Arpan is outstanding as the eccentric governess Charlotta Ivanovna who entertains the family with magic tricks and ventriloquism — all the while carrying a rifle for some reason. There is an undercurrent of playful flirtation and comedy with Billings as Yasha and Piel as Dunyasha. Billings is especially effective as the surly manservant traveling with Lyubov, with a wandering eye for pretty women. The focus of his attention happens to be Dunyasha, and Piel is perfect as the uneasy maid who adores the attention she receives from him.
As directed by Matheo, the production could not be more engaging. He has honored the memory of Chekhov and brought to life a classic play that has many levels of emotional impact on the characters and the audience. Yes, this is a very funny production, but it is also filled with a certain amount of pathos that cannot be overlooked. It is the insight of a skilled director to see all sides of the play, giving all the characters a platform to develop their distinct personalities.
Logan Ernstthal and Amy Arpan with Mare Trevathan looking on
The costume design by Steffani Bolmer-Day is a bonus to the overall look of the production. Everything, even down to the footwear, was spot-on in this production articulating a strong sense of the period with attention to detail clearly uppermost on Bolmer-Day’s drawing pad. John Hauser’s sound design also contributed tremendously by creating an underscore that framed the action beautifully.
With a quintessential cast and a skilled director at the helm, this production of The Cherry Orchard at Miners Alley Playhouse is a treasure to behold. It will make you laugh out loud and may even break your heart a bit as we let go of the orchard we all loved at some point in our lives.
Eric Fitzgerald started producing plays when he was 5 years old. He spent eight years in New York City as a talent agent representing well-known actors and actresses. Fitzgerald also worked for the ABC Television Network for 12 years both with ABC News and ABC Daytime. He lives in Aurora with his cat Max.
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