Review: Seagull Project's CHERRY ORCHARD Still Shines Amidst Some Confusion

Mounting something as complex as a Chekov play is not an easy undertaking and should only be handled by professionals. Luckily, in Seattle, we have the Seagull Project who has been tackling these works the last few years including the absolutely incredible "Three Sisters" they put up a few years back. But as crystal clear the intent of the characters in their current production of "The Cherry Orchard" at ACT is, thanks to the stellar performances and direction, I wonder if the translation they chose isn't doing them any favors as I was never quite certain who many of these people were.

Translated by Carol Rocamora, Chekov's play focuses on the return of Madame Ranevskaya (Julie Briskman) to her ancestral home after living in Paris for some years with a lover following the death of her young son. But her home may not be hers for long as they owe quite a bit of money and the estate is scheduled to be auctioned off. Many attempt to help and advise her as to how to save the estate but she seems caught up in her old life as an aristocrat and those surrounding her have their own motives. Her daughter Anya (Ayo Tushinde) wants to run off with her love, the left-wing student Peter (Spencer Hamp), the local wealthy merchant Lopahkin (Brandon J. Simmons) wants to elevate himself beyond his family's past serfdom, and the Madame's other daughter Varya (Sydney Andrews) wants to keep everything together but also wants the love of Lopahkin although neither will admit their feelings for each other.

It can be quite a confusing play with so many characters each with their own plot points that somehow fit together to form a commentary on the demise of the aristocracy and the rise of the middle class and this is where I feel the translation has done them harm. I wasn't totally clear as to the relationships of all the characters. In fact I had to look up a few of them after the show. And without all those clear relationships and status of the characters it's difficult to focus on the overarching theme and performances.

But even amidst my own confusion I was still mesmerized by the stunning performances from the entire ensemble especially from Briskman who, as always, commands the stage as soon as she sets foot on it. I was never unclear as to her intent and her final moments with the house were absolutely heartbreaking. Peter Crook too, as her doting brother, brought in some lovely moments of devotion and desperation as they tried to do anything to save their home. Simmons intent could not have been more clear as he takes what could be the one sided villain in the piece and makes him completely sympathetic. And one of his final moments of victory which happens during one of Briskman's aforementioned final moments made for a delicious game of "who's got the power". And I must mention Alex Matthews who brought in some delightful comedy as the bumbling Yepikhodov.

And speaking of people who must be mentioned I must, MUST mention some of the incredible technical elements of the show. The absolutely stunning costumes from Doris Black specifically those gorgeous gowns she had Briskman in will blow your mind. And then there was the amazing sound design and music from Robertson Witmer and Noah Duffy especially the opening choral piece that set up a wonderfully beautiful yet haunting tone.

But did this production bowl me over like their previous one? No. Is anything from the Seagull Project still ten times better than much else out there? Hell yes. And so with my three letter rating system I give The Seagull Project's production of "The Cherry Orchard" a slightly confused but still engaged YAY-. True, I could have done some homework before the show and familiarized myself with the characters I was about to see, but I shouldn't have to.

"The Cherry Orchard" from The Seagull Project performs at ACT through February 19th. For tickets or information contact the ACT box office at 206-292-7676 or visit them online at www.acttheatre.org.

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