Arden Theatre Company to Present New Translation of Chekhov's THREE SISTERS, 3/20-4/20

Arden Theatre Company presents the world premiere of a new translation of Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov, translated by Curt Columbus, directed by Terrence J. Nolen. The production appears on the Arden's F. Otto Haas Stage from March 20 through April 20, 2014 at 40 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia.

The Arden presents a bold new translation of Anton Chekhov's influential story about a family's unrealized aspirations. Through research, workshops, readings, and travel, Three Sisters is the culmination of a two-year exploration of the master storyteller's work that took our creative team from Moscow to Providence, Rhode Island to Philadelphia. A cast of Philadelphia's most promising newcomers alongside seasoned Arden favorites will introduce a new kind of Chekhov - audacious, alive, and contemporary.

"Chekhov isn't easy - there's not a tried and true method to make his work speak to modern audiences," states Arden's Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen. "But no other playwright speaks more eloquently to the essence of the human condition, and that challenge is irresistible to me as a director."

Three Sisters exemplifies director Terrence J. Nolen's affinity for ensemble-based projects that bring artistic collaborators such as Curt Columbus to the table in the early stages of the creative process. Terrence remarks, "For years Chekhov has been on my short list for season selection but, again and again, I have postponed doing so because of a persistent desire for an extended rehearsal process and the direct involvement of a translator/adapter. Now, I am thrilled to work with Curt Columbus - his translations are clean, muscular, funny, and most importantly, actable."

Translator Curt Columbus has served as The Richard L. Bready Artistic Director of Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island since 2006. His directing credits for Trinity include Merchant of Venice, His Girl Friday, Camelot, Cabaret, The Odd Couple, The Secret Rapture, The Receptionist, A Christmas Carol, Memory House, Blithe Spirit, Cherry Orchard and the world premiere of Stephen Thorne's ...Poe. His plays Paris by Night, The Dreams of Antigone and Sparrow Grass premiered at Trinity Rep. His adaptation of Crime and Punishment (with Marilyn Campbell) is published by Dramatists' Play Service. Curt's translations of Chekhov's plays are published by Ivan R. Dee, Chekhov: The Four Major Plays. The Dreams of Antigone is published by Broadway Play Publishing.

This production is part of the continuing initiative by the Arden to collaborate with sister theater companies across the country. As a result of a creative collaboration with Trinity Rep Theatre in Providence, this production boasts an impressive cast of local returning favorites, newcomers to the Arden's stage, and artists from Trinity Rep. In addition to cast members from Trinity, the Arden is proud to work with renowned set designer Eugene Lee, who has been the resident stage designer at Trinity Rep since 1967.

Philadelphia-based cast includes Jake Blouch (Fedotik), Scott Greer (Chebutikin), Sam Henderson (Solyony), James Ijames (Tuzenbach), Daniel Ison (Rode), Louis Lippa (Ferapont), Ian Merrill Peakes (Vershinin), Katharine Powell (Masha), Sarah Sanford (Olga), Cathy Simpson (Anfisa), Luigi Sottile (Andre), and Mary Tuomanen (Irinia). They are joined by Trinity actors Rebecca Gibel (Natashaand) and Charlie Thurston (Kulygin),

The production team on the Arden's stage includes Set Designer Eugene Lee, Costume Designer Olivera Gajic, Lighting Designer F. Mitchell Dana, Sound Designer Jorge Cousineau, and original music by Composer James Sugg.

Three Sisters previews begin on March 20. Preview performances March 20 through March 25. Opening night is set for 7pm Wednesday, March 26. The final performance is scheduled for April 20.

Single ticket prices are $36-$48, with discounts available for seniors, students, military and educators. Groups of 15+ enjoy significant discounts; please inquire about group rates. Mainstage Subscriptions are on sale for $84-$135. Call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, order online at www.ardentheatre.org, or visit the box office at 40 N. 2nd Street in Old City, Philadelphia.

A Pay What You Can performance will be held on Wednesday, March 19 at 8pm. All proceeds benefit Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.

Post-show discussions will be held following performances on March 30 and April 13 at 2pm, April 3 at 8pm, and April 9 and 16 at 6:30pm.

The Arden is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices and large-print programs at every performance. Open Captioned and Audio Described performances will take place on Friday April 11 at 8pm and Saturday, April 12 at 2pm. Reservations are required for accessible seating and may be made by calling the Arden's Box Office at 215.922.1122.

The Scene, the Arden's networking event, will be held on Friday, March 21 at 8pm. Tickets are $30 and include a pre-show reception at the Arden, a ticket to the show, and a post-show party with the staff and cast. Tickets are available online at www.ardentheatre.org/thescene or by calling 215.922.1122 and mentioning The Scene.

Teen Arden, a program for area teenagers passionate about theatre, hosts Drama, Bites, Access! on Sunday,
April 13 at 2pm. Tickets are $10 and include a pre-show party at the Arden, a ticket to the show, and a post-show meet and greet with members of the creative team and cast of Three Sisters. Tickets are available online at www.ardentheatre.org/tickets/teenarden or by calling 215.922.1122. Teen Arden is made possible by the Albert M. Greenfield Foundation.

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