The Arts in New York City
I thoroughly enjoyed The Cherry Orchard on Tuesday Night, because it was very different from any other event we went to. It was a mix of every theme we had seen from the other events, except we were thrown into the play as audience members. The music was amazing, and it really complimented the setting of old Russia. The music didn’t overpower the play, and the only time it was the main focus was actually during scene changes and intermission, which I really though was a great addition.
My favorite part of the play was definitely the fact that I could see every actor and actresses’ faces. Their expressions were so clear. I saw every frown, every smile, every evil stare; it seemed so close that we as the audience were actually part of the play itself. It’s great to feel like that because we understand the play more, it’s more of a cozy event, rather than the very grand Don Giovanni at the Met, because at the Met, it was all very far away. I would have to say that event wise; I enjoyed the Cherry Orchard more. Also I would like to comment on the costumes of the actresses because they were very well made. Every dress was greatly detailed, and even at such a small play, it was fantastic that they were able to have those small elements. Of course there were not as many dress-changes as there were in Don Giovanni, but I really applaud the costume because not only did it fit into this setting (that was simple but extremely well represented) it was very authentic looking, even down to the boots that the men wore and the beautiful black dress that the mother wore at the party.
The theater itself was very different from any theater I’ve been to. The last event was at Carnegie Hall was a big auditorium where we had to look down at the performers. The Classic Stage Company had a great three-sided stage where people can actually look at the performers without straining their eyes. Also the performers ran on and off stage, using the exits that we used, and sitting next to some of the people on the first row. It was very funny when the old woman in the play took a bite from a cucumber and gave it to an audience member; it was also funny when she danced with a girl in the first row. It’s such a participatory play that it became engaging, not just because of the plot, but because of the way the stage director led the play.
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I agree with you that the setting created a new way of viewing the play compared to all of the previous events we have went to. The set-up of having audience on three sides of the stage is what I considered as something that promoted interaction between audience and the actors. Furthermore, we can step away from music and enter a play where it’s more focus on acting and facial expressions. As for the costumes, I did not bother to think deeply of the details, but looking back at it, I agree that the costumes were made very well. In addition to how the costumes remained the same, it made it easier for me to identify each character (at first I had a bit of trouble, but since the actors remained to stick with their costumes for most of the time, the identity of each character became clear).
I agree that the personal aspect added a very personal element to this performance. Unlike the performance of Don Giovanni, every expression, nuance, and small movement was seen by the audience. Some of the more subtle motions of the actors, such as glances in certain directions, or minute changes in expressions lent a very realistic feel to the whole production. At some points, it seemed more like the story of a real dysfunctional family than a well-known play. As a result, I found it much easier to connect to and enjoy. I prefer smaller productions such as these to more grandiose shows. I also agree with Geoffrey that the costumes were very visible at such a close distance. The small detailing and relatively accurate “look” lent yet another layer of authenticity to “The Cherry Orchard.”
I agree whole heartedly. I think that this performance was especially difficult for the actors. I can assume that they can see everything the audience does. I imagine that people do things to catch the eyes of the actors and it must be hard to just keep moving forward. John Torturro looked into the crown many a time and somehow just stayed in character. I also like the homey feel in the theatre. I kind of felt that this was a secret production in the back of some store, and it felt really cool. Lastly I noticed that in the two plays that we’ve discussed written by Chekhov it ends with someone leaving.