Immersive DRUNKLE VANYA Extends Off-Broadway

"Drunkle Vanya," Three Day Hangover's daring adaptation of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya," is extending at Russian Samovar, 256 West 52nd Street, through March 4.

The six-character interactive and immersive production, in which the audience literally melts into the furniture of the decadently appointed Tolstoy Lounge, started an 8-week run on November 10, found its footing, and has now added eight more weeks through March 4. Adapted and directed by Lori Wolter Hudson, and produced by Three Day Hangover, with Roman Gambourg, Darren Sussman, and Misha von Shats, "Drunkle Vanya" will open officially on Friday February 3 at 7:30pm.

In "Drunkle Vanya" relationships are ruined, sadness is buried (clumsily), and lives are forever destroyed amidst the indiscriminate consumption of alcohol. Springing from this deeply empathetic reading of Chekhov's classic, "Drunkle Vanya" tells the juicy story of lost youth and unrequited love as if it were suspended in time between then and now. Mixing modern references with Chekhov's story and language, and incorporating the audience in a series of ridiculous drinking games, this is probably the funniest production of Chekhov you'll ever witness. Still you will probably go home deeply moved.

The show's intrepid troupe of thespian imbibers includes Joel Rainwater as Vanya; Amanda Sykes as Yelena; Christopher Tocco as Astrov; Leah Walsh as Sonya; Sean Tarrant as The Professor, and Josh Sauerman as Waffles.

Caitlin Cisek designed the costumes. The production stage manager is Brooke Bell.

Three Day Hangover is also responsible for bringing us the current toast of the town "Drunk Shakespeare," which they co-created with Meme Juice Productions. Slate has called this long-running, NY Times Critics' Pick "the best thing to ever happen to the theater." Three Day Hangover produces fresh, unexpected, immersive, joyful productions of classic plays in unique locations. The producing team consists of Beth Gardiner, David Hudson and Lori Wolter Hudson.

"Drunkle Vanya," in the Russian Samovar's decadently appointed Tolstoy's Lounge performs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, all at 7:30pm through March 4. (No performances on Sat Feb 4, and Thur Feb 16.) The Off-Broadway opening is on Friday February 3.

There is a full bar and small plates of Russian delicacies curated by Russian Samovar throughout the performance. Customize your experience by choosing your class -- Imperial Family (open bar, fine food); Aristocracy (infused vodka, fine food); Bourgeoisie (shot and a nibble), or Proletariat (you get a shot). Tickets, which range from $29 to $149 can be purchased by phone at 866-811-4111, or online at www.drunklevanya.com Running time: 1:45 minutes, including intermission.

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