Balagan Theatre continued its Summer New Works program the other night with their reading of the Anton Chekov and Kurt Cobain inspired, "Nirvanov". And Broadway World was given exclusive access to bring you photos from the reading of this fascinating look into one of Seattle's biggest and most tragic citizens.
Nirvanov is a glam-grunge rock musical that combines Anton Chekhov's Ivanov with the tortured last days of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, who like Ivanov committed suicide in the midst of a debilitating battle with depression. With book and lyrics by David Lee and music by Nandi Johannes and David Lee, Nirvanov examines Cobain's final days in 1990s Seattle, as well as his fascination with 1940s Hollywood legend Frances Farmer.
While it may be a little early to call it on this new piece, it definitely shows some promise. Like any work it has a ways to go but the haunting melodies and thrilling correlation of three very different but equally tortured souls create a gripping show that left the audience a little stunned. But that could also have something to do with the exceptional cast who were part of the reading including Van Hughes as Nirvanov, Rebecca Fisher as Frances Farmer, Kirsten doLohr Helland as Lvov, C.S. Lee as Mr. G, Mari Nelson as Mrs. G, Allen Fitzpatrick as Chekov/Gabriel, Solea Pfeiffer as Sasha, Eli Lutz as Young Nirvanov and Eric Hagreen, Olivia Hamilton, Justin Huertas and Zac Stowell as the Vamps.
You may have missed the reading but you're still in luck as Balagan has plans to remount a full production of "Nirvanov" in 2014 as part of their Mainstage season. But until then check out the BWW exclusive pictures.
Photo credit: Jay Irwin
The Cast of NIRVANOV
The Cast of NIRVANOV
Eli Lutz
Eli Lutz
Eli Lutz, Rebecca Fisher, Kirsten Delohr Helland and Justin Huertas
The Cast of NIRVANOV
Solea Pfeiffer, Rebecca Fisher and Van Hughes
Zac Stowell
Van Hughes, Rebecca Fisher and Justin Huertas
Rebecca Fisher
The Cast of NIRVANOV
Solea Pfeiffer and Van Hughes
C.S. Lee, Van Hughes and Mari Nelson
The Cast of NIRVANOV
Justin Huertas
C.S. Lee
Solea Pfeiffer and C.S. Lee
C.S. Lee, Solea Pfeiffer and Mari Nelson
Zac Stowell and C.S. Lee
Allen Fitzpatrick and Mari Nelson
Justin Huertas
Rebecca Fisher, Van Hughes, Zac Stowell and Justin Huertas
Rebecca Fisher and Van Hughes
Kirsten Delohr Helland and Rebecca Fisher
Kirsten Delohr Helland and Van Hughes
Rebecca Fisher and Van Hughes
Van Hughes and Kirsten Delohr Helland
Eli Lutz and Rebecca Fisher
Eli Lutz
Rebecca Fisher
Balagan Executive Director Jake Groshong
Balagan Theatre
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