Richard Nelson's Uncle Vanya, an adaptation of the Chekhov play translated and directed by playwright and director Nelson, makes its New York debut at Hunter College beginning September 7.
The new translation, commissioned and first produced by San Diego's The Old Globe earlier this year, is the inaugural production of Hunter's Theater Project, a new initiative connecting professional shows with the college's students and faculty.
Uncle Vanya is translated by Nelson and Russian literature translators Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky. Performances are scheduled to run through October 14 in Hunter's 190-seat Frederick Loewe Theater.
Nelson directs a cast made up of Celeste Arias as Eléna, Jon DeVries as Alexánder, Kate Kearney- Patch as Marína, Jesse Pennington as Mikhaíl, Jay O. Sanders as Vanya, and Yvonne Woods as Sonya. All performers are reprising their roles from the world premiere on the West Coast. Alice Cannon, replacing Roberta Maxwell, joins the cast as Márya.
Under the leadership of Gregory Mosher, Chair of the Hunter Theatre Department, the Hunter Theater Project offers students the opportunity to participate in workshops, lectures, and symposia in connection with all aspects of a professional production—from conception to opening.
“The Hunter Theater Project is our attempt to serve both theatre aficionados and young people just discovering live theatre,” said Mosher in an earlier statement. “We aim to present the work of extraordinary professional actors, directors, and designers in terrific plays, all in an intimate 190-seat theater, at affordable prices. The HTP will make it possible for theatre students and professionals to interact throughout the production process from conception to closing night, and allow students from all disciplines to discover how theatre artists address the questions of the age.”
The creative team includes Jason Ardizzone-West (scenic design), Susan Hilferty and Mark Koss (costume design), Jennifer Tipton (lighting), and Will Pickens (sound design).
Nelson's Uncle Vanya debuted at The Old Globe in February. Student tickets to the Hunter College production are $15 and general tickets are $37. For tickets and more information visit Huntertheaterproject.org.
