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Cherry Orchard

Presented by Breakin' String Theatre at Blue Theatre

November 5-November 21, 2009

Avg. Event Rating (4.6 Stars):
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Lyubov Ranyevskaya went to Paris to escape her past; she returns to Russia to discover that her ancestral home, and her beloved cherry orchard, are about to disappear forever. In this haunting tale of love, loss, and human frailty, Lyubov must endures the unimaginable, and realizes that even as the axes fall on the trees, a new life is being born.

More than a century after it was written, Chekhov’s last and most beloved play still holds audiences spellbound with its unexpected majesty and dramatic power. Chekhov also finds comedy in our failures to live up to those ideals we consider sacred. As Breaking String theater artists, we hope most of all to bring Chekhov’s warmth and generosity of spirit to our audiences. Some of Austin’s finest performers have come together to perform this new translation from the original Russian.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Venue Info

    Blue Theatre

    916 Springdale Road
    Austin, TX 78702

    Full map and directions

  • Admission Info

    Tickets: Suggested Donation of $15-$25 at the door Email for reservations.

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  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    November 5-November 21, 2009

    Times:
    8pm

  • Accessibility Info

    Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.

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    Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "Meeting the Challenge of Chekhov"
      Review posted by: tristan alexander from austin, tx, Nov 13, 2009
      

      chekhov is one of the most challenging playwrights to produce for a number of reasons, the primary being the difficulty creating a balance between tone, language, and character. many productions to... Expand

      chekhov is one of the most challenging playwrights to produce for a number of reasons, the primary being the difficulty creating a balance between tone, language, and character. many productions to veer towards the melodramatic, led by chekhov's verbose writing style that can sound foreign to the modern ear. using the dialogue to add life to the simple yet realistic story arcs can leave a production oddly disjointed from the audience. overall, breaking string's production strikes a good balance between language and story, finding the humor within. overall the acting is strong, though not entirely even in quality. strong comedic performances lift the show, but the timing of some moments seemed off at times. however, the show is a pleasing interpretation that rises to the challenge of tackling chekhov. Collapse

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "Breaking Strings finds humor in Chekhov!"
      Review posted by: Ruby Sinclair from Austin, TX USA, Nov 12, 2009
      

      I never go into watching Chekhov thinking I'm going to laugh but Graham Schmidt's translation helped to make laughter a part of his interpretation of The Cherry Orchard. Dirk Van Allen's comedic... Expand

      I never go into watching Chekhov thinking I'm going to laugh but Graham Schmidt's translation helped to make laughter a part of his interpretation of The Cherry Orchard. Dirk Van Allen's comedic timing and pace helped to carry that throughout the play. For the most part it was a very strong cast with Babs, Ev, and Bernadette leading the way. This is a must see! Collapse

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "Knowledgable Director+ Talented Cast!"
      Review posted by: Austin Theatre Examiner from austin, Nov 12, 2009
      

      Cherry Orchard: "Breaking String proves that you don’t need lots of flash and bang to bring a classic story to life, and that, with a knowledgeable director and a talented cast, amazing things can... Expand

      Cherry Orchard: "Breaking String proves that you don’t need lots of flash and bang to bring a classic story to life, and that, with a knowledgeable director and a talented cast, amazing things can happen, even in the oldest of plays. If you’re going to see a production of Chekhov this year, chances are you’ll not find one better than Breaking String’s The Cherry Orchard, which brings to life the classic tale in a way the even the old Russian himself would surely be proud of." Score: 5 Link: http://tiny.cc/RfsUR Collapse

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "Chekov done right"
      Review posted by: kholenkhov from Austin, TX, Nov 11, 2009
      

      If you want to see Chekov performed correctly, Breaking String's production of The Cherry Orchard is a first-rate oppurtunity. First class acting down the line. Babs George manages to be fragile and... Expand

      If you want to see Chekov performed correctly, Breaking String's production of The Cherry Orchard is a first-rate oppurtunity. First class acting down the line. Babs George manages to be fragile and strong in the same breath. Matt Radford makes a compelling Lopaakhin and his third act monologue gave me chills. Dirk van Allen's final moments on stage are haunting. Nigel O'Hearn and Liz Fisher are also worthy of mention. A thorough understanding of each character by the actors and director Graham Schmidt give Checkov's words (or rather Schmidt's translation of them) life. A few minor quibbles seem trivial in retrospect. This production lets each character speak for him or herself offering no real hero or villain. An absolute must-see for any fan of Chekov or top-notch acting. Collapse

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "Cherry Orchard--timely, and timeless wisdom, sublime humor."
      Review posted by: Pauline R- A TEAM from Austin, TX, Nov 11, 2009
      

      Let me begin with a confession that prior to seeing Cherry Orchard, I was a Chekhov virgin. And I’m happy to say, that I am eager for more. Regrettably however, every attempt to write a succinct... Expand

      Let me begin with a confession that prior to seeing Cherry Orchard, I was a Chekhov virgin. And I’m happy to say, that I am eager for more. Regrettably however, every attempt to write a succinct review that hints at the sublime brilliance of Chekhov's humor, falls shy of the breath of my experience. My appreciation was broadened even more, after the show, listening to several first class actors talk about the benefits of working directly with the translator. Both influenced the many choices that had to be made, affirming that translations of Chekhov’s writing vary greatly. And according to a talented director friend, who has read 15 different translations, and even re-written her own version from their compilation, this is one translation and group of actors well worth seeing. Some things in life you just have to experience to fully appreciate. This production of Cherry Orchard is a subtle and memorable evening of intelligent, timeless theater at it’s finest. Collapse

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "Highly Recommended!"
      Review posted by: austinlivetheatre.com from austin, Nov 11, 2009
      

      highly recommends The Cherry Orchard, Breaking String, an exhilarating ensemble piece of great humanity. http://tinyurl.com/ye7exzu

      highly recommends The Cherry Orchard, Breaking String, an exhilarating ensemble piece of great humanity. http://tinyurl.com/ye7exzu

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "A beautiful production!"
      Review posted by: Ryan from Austin, TX, Nov 11, 2009
      

      A beautiful production. Graham Schmidt and his ensemble of first class actors pour into the characters of Chekhov's classic a life that sparkles with heart and idiosyncrasy. The set is minimal; the... Expand

      A beautiful production. Graham Schmidt and his ensemble of first class actors pour into the characters of Chekhov's classic a life that sparkles with heart and idiosyncrasy. The set is minimal; the plot is minimal; and even the text is obtuse at times. In lesser hands, the story might flop feebly from the stage onto the laps of a dozing audience, but here, it soars - and the audience that set around me was not only engaged but ranged from high school seniors to, well, seniors of a different kind. Why? Because these actors create and live characters of deep feeling, strong dreams and a natural quirkiness that is extreme, yet honest, and very FUNNY! Chekhov writes comedies? Sure he does. And I recommend everyone catch this one while it lasts. The days of the Cherry Orchard are numbered, you know. Collapse

• Media
  Gallery

  • All Media Gallery

    Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "Meeting the Challenge of Chekhov"
      Review posted by: tristan alexander from austin, tx, Nov 13, 2009
      

      chekhov is one of the most challenging playwrights to produce for a number of reasons, the primary being the difficulty creating a balance between tone, language, and character. many productions to... Expand

      chekhov is one of the most challenging playwrights to produce for a number of reasons, the primary being the difficulty creating a balance between tone, language, and character. many productions to veer towards the melodramatic, led by chekhov's verbose writing style that can sound foreign to the modern ear. using the dialogue to add life to the simple yet realistic story arcs can leave a production oddly disjointed from the audience. overall, breaking string's production strikes a good balance between language and story, finding the humor within. overall the acting is strong, though not entirely even in quality. strong comedic performances lift the show, but the timing of some moments seemed off at times. however, the show is a pleasing interpretation that rises to the challenge of tackling chekhov. Collapse

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "Breaking Strings finds humor in Chekhov!"
      Review posted by: Ruby Sinclair from Austin, TX USA, Nov 12, 2009
      

      I never go into watching Chekhov thinking I'm going to laugh but Graham Schmidt's translation helped to make laughter a part of his interpretation of The Cherry Orchard. Dirk Van Allen's comedic... Expand

      I never go into watching Chekhov thinking I'm going to laugh but Graham Schmidt's translation helped to make laughter a part of his interpretation of The Cherry Orchard. Dirk Van Allen's comedic timing and pace helped to carry that throughout the play. For the most part it was a very strong cast with Babs, Ev, and Bernadette leading the way. This is a must see! Collapse

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "Knowledgable Director+ Talented Cast!"
      Review posted by: Austin Theatre Examiner from austin, Nov 12, 2009
      

      Cherry Orchard: "Breaking String proves that you don’t need lots of flash and bang to bring a classic story to life, and that, with a knowledgeable director and a talented cast, amazing things can... Expand

      Cherry Orchard: "Breaking String proves that you don’t need lots of flash and bang to bring a classic story to life, and that, with a knowledgeable director and a talented cast, amazing things can happen, even in the oldest of plays. If you’re going to see a production of Chekhov this year, chances are you’ll not find one better than Breaking String’s The Cherry Orchard, which brings to life the classic tale in a way the even the old Russian himself would surely be proud of." Score: 5 Link: http://tiny.cc/RfsUR Collapse

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "Chekov done right"
      Review posted by: kholenkhov from Austin, TX, Nov 11, 2009
      

      If you want to see Chekov performed correctly, Breaking String's production of The Cherry Orchard is a first-rate oppurtunity. First class acting down the line. Babs George manages to be fragile and... Expand

      If you want to see Chekov performed correctly, Breaking String's production of The Cherry Orchard is a first-rate oppurtunity. First class acting down the line. Babs George manages to be fragile and strong in the same breath. Matt Radford makes a compelling Lopaakhin and his third act monologue gave me chills. Dirk van Allen's final moments on stage are haunting. Nigel O'Hearn and Liz Fisher are also worthy of mention. A thorough understanding of each character by the actors and director Graham Schmidt give Checkov's words (or rather Schmidt's translation of them) life. A few minor quibbles seem trivial in retrospect. This production lets each character speak for him or herself offering no real hero or villain. An absolute must-see for any fan of Chekov or top-notch acting. Collapse

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "Cherry Orchard--timely, and timeless wisdom, sublime humor."
      Review posted by: Pauline R- A TEAM from Austin, TX, Nov 11, 2009
      

      Let me begin with a confession that prior to seeing Cherry Orchard, I was a Chekhov virgin. And I’m happy to say, that I am eager for more. Regrettably however, every attempt to write a succinct... Expand

      Let me begin with a confession that prior to seeing Cherry Orchard, I was a Chekhov virgin. And I’m happy to say, that I am eager for more. Regrettably however, every attempt to write a succinct review that hints at the sublime brilliance of Chekhov's humor, falls shy of the breath of my experience. My appreciation was broadened even more, after the show, listening to several first class actors talk about the benefits of working directly with the translator. Both influenced the many choices that had to be made, affirming that translations of Chekhov’s writing vary greatly. And according to a talented director friend, who has read 15 different translations, and even re-written her own version from their compilation, this is one translation and group of actors well worth seeing. Some things in life you just have to experience to fully appreciate. This production of Cherry Orchard is a subtle and memorable evening of intelligent, timeless theater at it’s finest. Collapse

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "Highly Recommended!"
      Review posted by: austinlivetheatre.com from austin, Nov 11, 2009
      

      highly recommends The Cherry Orchard, Breaking String, an exhilarating ensemble piece of great humanity. http://tinyurl.com/ye7exzu

      highly recommends The Cherry Orchard, Breaking String, an exhilarating ensemble piece of great humanity. http://tinyurl.com/ye7exzu

    • Event Name: Cherry Orchard
      "A beautiful production!"
      Review posted by: Ryan from Austin, TX, Nov 11, 2009
      

      A beautiful production. Graham Schmidt and his ensemble of first class actors pour into the characters of Chekhov's classic a life that sparkles with heart and idiosyncrasy. The set is minimal; the... Expand

      A beautiful production. Graham Schmidt and his ensemble of first class actors pour into the characters of Chekhov's classic a life that sparkles with heart and idiosyncrasy. The set is minimal; the plot is minimal; and even the text is obtuse at times. In lesser hands, the story might flop feebly from the stage onto the laps of a dozing audience, but here, it soars - and the audience that set around me was not only engaged but ranged from high school seniors to, well, seniors of a different kind. Why? Because these actors create and live characters of deep feeling, strong dreams and a natural quirkiness that is extreme, yet honest, and very FUNNY! Chekhov writes comedies? Sure he does. And I recommend everyone catch this one while it lasts. The days of the Cherry Orchard are numbered, you know. Collapse

• Media
  Reviews

  • Media Reviews

    There are currently no media reviews for this event.