Legendary Russian Actor Ernst Zorin to Star in SWAN SONG at New York Chekhov Festival

Back by popular demand, renowned Russian stage director Aleksey Burago and The Russian Arts Theater and Studio present Anton Chekhov's Swan Song, a comedy performed in Russian by legendary actors Ernst Zorin (Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, Vakhtangov Theater) and Gala Orlovsky (Prominent Artist of Ukraine Citation), with live music performed by actress and pianist Di Zhu (Grand Prize Winner, New York International Piano Competition).

Featured as part of the first annual New York Chekhov Festival, this limited engagement begins on Monday, March 27th and plays four evenings only. Swan Song will perform at The Balcony Theater at West Park Presbyterian Church (165 W86th Street, New York, NY 10024). Tickets are now on sale at www.chekhovfestival.eventbrite.com.

The production is headed by one of Russia's most talented directors, Aleksey Burago, a former protege of Pyotr Fomenko and famous for his work at the Hermitage Theater and Aleksandrinka Theater (Beyond Recognition), Moscow TV (Queen of Spades), Youth Theater (The Emperor's New Clothes, Stoned), Interatelier Theater (Fandor and Liz), and The Baltic House Theater (Camille). Among his productions in New York are Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, The Seagull, The Bear, My Uncle Chekhov and Lady with a Lapdog, with Jokes and a Happy Ending.

With humor and wit, Swan Song is a love letter dedicated to the theater. Enter the stage door and embark on a journey with four actors as they pay homage to Russian show business, its rosy illusions, backstage romances, and battling egos. Newly adapted by Ernst Zorin, the story revolves around Svetlovidov, a faded star torn between ambition and exhaustion. The plot unwinds over the course of one evening following a banquet in honor of the aging actor, where he learns plans are in place to replace him in the next production. In the hours and minutes leading up to the performance, clashes quickly take place, and soon, easier consolations are found inside the vodka bottle. A satire intertwined with improvisations, dreams, and secret jokes that have survived countless generations at the Russian stage wings, this delicious portrait of the world of Russian theater is not to be missed.

Leading the cast is legendary actor Ernst Zorin, who has worked over twenty years with the world famous Vakhtangov Theater, appearing in numerous productions including the sensational Princess Turandot. Co-star Gala Orlovsky has toured throughout the world in her work as a stage actress. A recipient of the Debut of the Year Award for her portrayal of Pippi Longstockings, Gala was also awarded the First Prize in Ukranian National Theatrical Festival for her role in Save Me From Hatred (by Alexander Galich) and Golden Lion Award for best female role in Birdcatcher's Fun. The cast also features live music performed by actress and pianist Di Zhu. Di was recently seen in the film Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Her extensive stage work has taken her throughout theaters in New York City as well as London, Turkey and Japan. She was recently seen in Crime and Punishment, where she played Sonya Marmeladov to rave reviews.

Swan Song plays the following regular schedule through Saturday, April 15th:

Monday, March 27th at 8PM

Monday, April 3rd at 8PM

Monday, April 10th at 8PM

Saturday, April 15th at 8PM

Tickets are $35, available at www.chekhovfestival.eventbrite.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the box office ½ hour prior to performance, depending on availability.