Larry J. Lacey and Simon Aguilar (Photo by Audrey Zabala)
Reviewed by Steven Vargas
Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s Helen Borgers Theater
Through September 20
RECOMMENDED
Anton Chekhov’s humor is known for being subtle and mundane. Instead of leaning into exaggerated comedy displays, he lets the laughs slowly stir about, cued by irony and dry reaction.
Despite this reputation, the Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s production of Chekhov in Shorts isn’t afraid to hit you over the head with his comedy. The show includes three of his plays: “The Bet”, “The Bear,” and “The Proposal.” While the performance is funny and punchy overall, it is not meant for Chekhov traditionalists. Diane Benedict, who directed “The Bear” and “The Proposal,” takes artistic liberties by turning Chekhov’s plays into a comedy of manners filled with slapstick and modern sensibilities. But although non-traditional, the production displays a masterful rein of Chekhov’s situational comedy.
The show begins with an introduction to “The Bet,” a dramatized rendition of Chekhov’s short story in which a banker (Zion Aguilar) argues with a lawyer (Larry J. Lacey) that the death penalty is worse than life in prison. To prove his argument, the banker places a bet with the lawyer: If he can spend 15 years in confinement, the banker will give him 2 million rubles. The lawyer takes up the bet and enters a secret door in (set designed by Audrey Szotz).
Directed by Holly Leveque, “The Bet” proves transformative and mystical. We revisit the story in between the other performances.
“The Bear,” skillfully directed by Benedict, centers on the widow Popova (Leveque), who is confronted by her husband’s debtor seven months after his death. She’s mourning, but landowner Smirnov (Jonah Goger) nonetheless is determined to get his 1,200 rubles. He needs the money tomorrow. She can’t give him the money until the day after tomorrow when her manager returns. Arguments ensue.
As Smirnov rampages, Benedict’s direction creates a distinct line between addresses to the audience and addresses to the other characters. It’s incredibly clear and refreshing. Goger shines in the short play. He balances a boisterous attitude with a softer, welcoming side when his character grows attracted to Popova. In one section, Goger jumps up in anger like a child, while in another, he kicks his leg back as he leans on the footman Luka (Chris Girt), proclaiming his love for the widow he has just spent the entire time berating. The dichotomy is intense and hilarious.
Leveque, as Popova, underscores her character’s dynamic humor. She brings out the guns (literally) when the argument reaches its peak. She’s determined to put a bullet in his head. This turns him on. They flirt while preparing the guns. Meanwhile, the injured footman falls and struggles to get up in the background. It’s absurd and over-the-top, but it works.
“The Proposal” is one big, dramatized argument. Lomov (Goger) visits his neighbor Chubukov (Girt) to ask for his blessing to propose to his daughter Natalya (Celeste Marvin-Strong, a woman whose aggressive personality has made it difficult to help her find a life partner. We learn why when the smallest of disagreements between Lomov and Natalya literally turns into a heart-stopping fight. Her anger gives him heart palpitations. Turns out they’re both difficult and worthy of each other.
As the problematic Natalya, Marvin-Strong’s performance is the strongest of the bunch — typified by quicksilver shifts and stacked with small intentional moments that keep you laughing. It’s an enthralling display.
At the end of the evening, we return to “The Bet” to learn the outcome of the wager. The 15-year mark is three hours away. The play ends with a final emotional monologue by Lacey, its eloquence unfortunately undercut by Terry Hill’s inappropriate costuming, which belies the comfort the lawyer enjoyed in prison.
Chekhov in Shorts is a hodgepodge of Chekhov’s lesser-known works brought to life with physical comedy. That doesn’t align with this iconic playwright’s style, but it’s still a great show. Consider it a Chekhov-inspired production. After all, it isn’t a Chekhov production unless a gun goes off. Here, no shots were fired.
Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s Helen Borgers Theater, 4250 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach. Opens Fri., August 30; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm and Sun. at 2 pm; thru Sept. 20. https://www.lbshakespeare.org/events/98460. Running time: 80 minutes with no intermission.
