Chekhov in Love

Reviewed by Julia Stier
14-Forty and Studio
Through May 14

Taking its name from the 1998 film Shakespeare in Love, 14-Forty and Studio’s co-production, Chekhov in Love, is a journey through the work of another influential playwright. This time, it’s the work of Russian playwright Anton Chekhov that is taking center stage.

Under the direction of Studio’s Artistic Director, Megan Ketch (who also adapted the show), Chekhov in Love is an immersive exploration of love scenes from Chekhov’s five major plays –The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters, Uncle Vanya, The Seagull, and Ivanov. Tying the scenes together are passages from real love letters sent between Chekhov and his wife, the actress Olga Knipper.

Audiences are invited to attend this experimental look at love, free of charge. Only a reservation is required.

Adam Jefferis and Brit Morgan carry the show as the aforementioned Anton and Olga. The moments between them are where the show shines. Their correspondences feel shockingly modern — from their flirtatious banter, to their grumblings about their careers  as artists (which are painfully relatable). Jefferis and Morgan have an easy chemistry with each other, and bring a sense of play to the words and relationship.

In fact, the whole cast – the rest of whom depict characters in scenes from the five plays – imbue Chekhov’s words with a surprising, yet natural, infusion of comedic timing. Amanda Holquin especially, as Nina from The Seagull, brings a sense of wide-eyed wonderment in her opening scene – an innocence we get to watch beautifully crumble by her final moment.

The scenes are taken out of context of their respective shows, and can therefore be a little hard to follow if you’re not familiar with the plays. However, for fans of the playwright, or almost any theater student, will enjoy seeing their favorite scenes, all while learning a bit more about the man behind the words.

The show is billed as being immersive, but is actually fairly traditional in its staging. For those who are immersive-adverse, don’t fear, you will remain sitting the whole time, and there is little to no audience interaction.

The River LA, 2929 Knox Ave., Los Angeles; Sat.-Sun. 8:00 pm’ through May 14.  https://forms.gle/etgZQkKh7vagaegJ6. Running time: 90-minutes, with no intermission.