The University of Utah Department of Theatre presents “The Cherry Orchard” by Anton Chekov, version by Pam Gems, September 26 through October 5 in the Babcock Theatre.
In his masterpiece "The Cherry Orchard," Chekhov maintains an exquisite balance between elegiac celebration of the romance of the past, as embodied in the cherry orchard in full bloom, and the awesome prescience of what is so soon to overwhelm Russia: revolution. The themes are majestic, and yet at the centre of the play is Ranevskaya, a tragic woman who lacks adroitness for survival in a changing world but who has one asset: a capacity for love. It is her solution — and Chekhov's.
Widely considered one of the greatest writers in history, Anton Chekov is known for characters that reflect life’s complexities. Often driven by the emotions and internal struggles of characters rather than action in the plot, Chekov’s work makes for a rich — albeit quite challenging — playground for actors.
"The Cherry Orchard," Chekov’s final play, is no exception.
Aidan Hughes, a junior in the Actor Training Program, plays Gayev –– a role that he says he struggled to find initially.
“He’s a 51-year-old, wealthy, Russian landowner born in the 1850s and living in the early 1900s. I started my process by trying to play these things. How can I be Russian, how can I be 50, how can I be rich, how can I be from 1903?” Hughes explained.
“I very quickly found out that I couldn’t –– because you can’t play an age. You can’t play a year. You can’t play a bank balance, or a lifestyle, or a set of societal norms. It just doesn’t work. And I was so focused on trying to make it work that I was unable to access the character.”
When he received a note from director Alexandra Harbold to stop focusing on what Gayev is, and instead, look at what he does, Hughes finally began to unlock the role.
“What he IS is a rich older man. What he DOES is eat candy, play games, and complain about his bedtime. The actions inform the character far more than anything else. People are not defined by the context of their lives. Context informs action, but the only thing that can really, truly define a person is the action itself,” he said.
Senior in the Actor Training Program, Ella Frank, learned about resilience while exploring her role of Ranevskaya.
“I admire her ability to face life’s challenges while still holding onto her lightness and warmth,” Frank said. "Exploring that balance — her strength alongside her charm — has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. It's also helped me uncover those same qualities within myself,” she said.
Audiences often find refreshed poignancy in revisiting famous works. For Hughes, "The Cherry Orchard" is anything but archaic — its commentary is enduring.
"'The Cherry Orchard' is a very human story. The play is chiefly about family, grief, and navigating a changing world. All things that are extremely relevant today, and all things that will continue to be extremely relevant for as long as there are people. This production is also truly unique because of the use of live cinematic elements,” he said.
“I have never seen a play like it, I have never been in a play like it, and it would be a shame to miss out on such a unique theatrical experience.”
THE CHERRY ORCHARD
Directed by Alexandra Harbold
Video direction by Nicholas Dunn
Fri, 9/26 @ 7:30 pm
Sat, 9/27 @ 2 pm
Sat, 9/27 @ 7:30 pm
Sun, 9/28 @ 2 pm
Thurs, 10/2 @ 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/3 @ 7:30 pm
Sat, 10/4 @ 2 pm
Sat, 10/4 @ 7:30 pm
Sun, 10/5 @ 2 pm
Curtain's Up
Please join the Department of Theatre for our inaugural Annual Alumni Night, “Curtains Up!"
Friday, September 26th
7:00PM | Join Dept. Chair Chris DuVal and SAC Advisory students for light refreshments in the Babcock Lobby before the show.
7:30PM | Show begins! Show begins! See U Theatre students in a production of "The Cherry Orchard" in the Babcock Theatre. By Anton Chekhov, Version by Pam Gems, Director Alexandra Harbold, Video Director Nicholas Dunn.
Production ticket included with RSVP. Please pick up at the refreshment table.