Chekhov's Three Sisters: An Invigorating Quest for the Meaning of Life
Source Theatre (1835 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009)
- Full Price:
- $20.00 - $25.00
- Our Price:
- FREE - $12.50*
* Additional fees apply.
All offers for Three Sisters have expired.
The last date listed for Three Sisters was Sunday February 21, 2010 / 8:00pm.
Currently at Source Theatre:
Love Bites: Washington Improv Theater Takes on Valentine's Day
- Full Price:
- $25.00
- Our Price:
- SOLD OUT
Washington Improv Theater presents Love Bites, their annual Valentine's Day show, at the Source Theatre. An all-star cast featuring almost twenty of WIT's funniest comedians will skewer all aspects of romance in a hilarious show for couples and singles alike. Composed mostly of improvised comedy made up on the spot based on audience suggestions, Love Bites will also feature hilarious comedy sketches. Learn More
Goldstar Member Tips
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Mike Matichich on Where to Park
Parking can be tough, so Metro is best.
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Mike Matichich on What to Wear
Everything from casual to dressed up is fine.
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Zara Karabekian on What to Wear
You will have to go across the stage, with some steps so keep that in mind when choosing shoes
Goldstar Member Reviews
RShusterman
Very well acted. Started promptly, important for a 3-hour-long performance. In spite of the long duration, it was entertaining throughout. An impressive production for a small theater company.Written on Feb 12 2010
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Goldstar Member
We thoroughly enjoyed the performance. The play was staged in the round so we felt almost a part of the performance. The movement of the actors on the stage was well choreographed which is especially important in a performance in the round. All the actors gave strong performances and captured the pathos of Chekhov's characters. Of course, you have to like Chekhov's writing and his depiction of Russian society to enjoy this show.Written on Feb 01 2010
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ThePhantom
The acting was extremely good. Chekhov's work is philosophical (like his Russians). The cast effectively dramatized the work, allowing the play to be thought provoking without being ponderous. Catherine Deadman anchors the play as Masha with other noteworthy performances turned in by Katy Carkuff, and Michael John Casey. Annie Houston and Lewis Freeman play make especially convincing Russian common people.Written on Feb 01 2010
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Goldstar Member
I loved it! The acting was first rate, and the costumes were FABULOUS (and I am not known for exaggeration). Even though the physical space was very small so that the audience was up close to the production, I got very drawn into the action. Based on this production, I intend to donate to Constellation Theater to help them continue their fine work.Written on Feb 02 2010
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More Information About Three Sisters
Website
http://www.ConstellationTheatre.org
Description
Constellation Theatre Company brings Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov to Washington, DC with a fresh, humorous translation by Lanford Wilson. A dynamic mix of comedy and drama reveals an extended family struggling with the troubles of daily life while striving for romance, purpose and compassion. Three sisters hope to escape their isolated, rural home and dream of cultured, meaningful loves in Moscow. Moments of truth swing from lyrical to explosive as ideas evolve and individuals transform. In this sublime portrait of humanity, Chekhov illuminates the mystery, sorrow and beauty inherent in our universal pursuit of happiness.
Anton Chekhov is widely regarded as one of the great fathers of modern drama. Yet Chekhov supported his family by writing comic short stories that are still enjoyed throughout the world today. His other career as a physician gave him a unique insight into people and, in his own words, “the sicknesses of the soul.” His self-described method in practicing medicine, “First of all I'd get my patients in a laughing mood - and only then would I begin to treat them,” suggests his motivation for the restorative humor he brings to dramatic situations. He gives us both wit and wisdom.
Chekhov’s dramatic style is original and daring, balancing realism with impressionism and symbolism. His plays are not driven by plot events in a traditional way. They capture and overlap fleeting moments between people with poetic imagery and powerful pauses. Through his novel approach to both dramatic structure and character psychology he juxtaposes moments of despair and joy, illustrating the truth that life is, as one of his characters attests, “Half enigmatic, half wonderful.”
Three Sisters is no stranger to Washington. This timeless classic was directed by Zelda Fichandler at Arena Stage in 1965 and by Joy Zinoman at The Studio Theatre in 1995. Constellation Theatre Company is honored to bring this universal story to DC again, this time with Lanford Wilson’s accessible and witty translation. Mark Lamos commissioned Wilson to create this version for his 1984 Hartford Stage Company production. An acclaimed playwright, Wilson received the 1980 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the New York Drama Circle’s award for Talley’s Folly. His most celebrated plays include 5th of July, The Hot L Baltimore, The Mound Builders, Angels Fall and Burn This. Often described as the most Chekhovian of contemporary American playwrights, Wilson brings new life to the brilliant original with his own lyrical, evocative voice.
Director Allison Arkell Stockman has dreamed of directing this play for a long time. She explains, “A mentor once said to me, ‘Every time you truly open your heart up to it, Three Sisters will change your life.’ This rich ensemble is full of characters that are smart, funny, passionate, eccentric, both driven and defeated. I am fascinated by the human propensity to dream and yet to get so caught in reality that even attainable dreams are never realized. My hope is that in seeing this play people will see themselves and be renewed to pursue their goals, to seize the day.”
Constellation’s production is being performed in the round. Constellation Resident Designer A.J. Guban places the story at the heart of the space with the audience surrounding it in order to put primary focus on the actors and the words. He and Costume Designer Ivania Stack have embraced a streamlined sense of period. Living in 1901, the characters continuously imagine what life will be like two hundred years in the future. Yet today, nearly 110 years later, their desires and conflicts remain so like our own. Every seat will have a unique, personal view in this configuration, yet just beyond the dramatic action on the other side of the space, is the audience of today, reminding us that we are looking inwards at the human condition of the past, present and future.
Composer Jesse Terrill, who has previously composed the original music for Constellation’s The Marriage of Figaro and A Flea In Her Ear, is drawing on the rich Russian musical tradition for his inspiration. Moved by the simplicity, elegance and creative orchestration of Tchaikovsky, Terrill is also compelled by the experimental, dissonant undercurrents of Stravinsky. This contrast of musical styles mirrors the transformation in the play from an old world to a new one.
An incredible cast stars Constellation favorites Nanna Ingvarsson, Catherine Deadman and Amy Quiggins as the three sisters and Katy Carkuff as their rival, Natasha. Talented actor Michael John Casey joins Constellation for the first time as the inspirational Vershinin. Casey has been seen in DC at many theatres including The Kennedy Center, Shakespeare Theatre Company, the Folger Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Imagination Stage and Longacre Lea Productions. Constellation veterans such as Joe Brack, Brian Hemmingsen, Ashley Ivey, Lew Freeman and Scott Zeigler return, while Billy Finn, Annie Houston, Mark Krawczyk, and Carl Long enjoy their debut with the company.
About the Ticket Supplier: Constellation Theatre Company
Constellation Theatre Company is dedicated to creating theatre that is epic, expansive and essential. Constellation's plays and musicals share the characteristics of elevated language, expressive design and an acting style of heightened, archetypal action. Like bright lights in the dark sky, their shows seek to illuminate the human experience in ways that are powerful, dynamic and relevant today.