Dan Welsh and Ellen Knolls (Photo by Danielle Filas)
by Krista B. Threadgill
As the only year-round Shakespeare company in central Ohio, Rosebriar Shakespeare Company’s production of From Russia with Love—featuring two Anton Chekhov farces, The Bear andThe Marriage Proposal—is a bit of a deviation from the norm for them. However, Rosebriar has a long-standing reputation for quality productions, and I am happy to report that they do not disappoint.
Chekhov is mostly known for his dramas (The Cherry Orchard, etc.), but long before that he was famous for his farces. The Bear and The Wedding Proposal were written in 1888 as a means to support the Chekhov family while he was attending medical school. Both plays focus on relationships between men and women and how a single word at the right—or wrong—moment can bring about monumental and sometimes unexpected results.
The production opens with The Bear, set in the home of grieving widow Popova (Ellen Knolls), when one of her late husband’s creditors, Smirnov (Dan Welsh), arrives to demand immediate payment. When she delays, he expounds on the inconsistencies of women, often pleading his case directly to the audience. The butler, Looka (Daniel Smail), pops in and out of the scene, trying to keep the peace between the combatants. Welsh’s comedic timing is superb. He is a whirlwind of activity from the moment he enters the scene. Knolls’ performance as Popova is delightful, and the final verbal sparring match between Knolls and Welsh alone is worth the price of admission.
The Marriage Proposal takes place outside the home of Stepan Stepanovitch (Joel Cohen) as his neighbor, Ivan Vassilyitch (Christian Bullinger), arrives to ask for the hand of Stepan’s daughter, Natalyia, (Lynn Moyer) in marriage. Ivan is terrified, and his physical ailments make themselves more apparent as the emotional tension mounts. Bullinger handles the slapstick requirements of his role like a true professional despite his youth (he is graduating from high school next month). Moyer’s performance feels a bit forced at times, especially early in the play. She eventually relaxes into her character and is more believable by the closing lines. Cohen does an excellent job switching from joyous father, outraged neighbor, and pre-marital counselor. Erin Burchwell’s direction in both of these plays really brings out the best of the ensemble cast.
A few things to keep in mind when attending this show: there are no clear directions once you get inside the Groveport Town Hall, and the auditorium is on the second floor. Also, there is a large pole in the middle of the room that can block your view, so choose your seat wisely. The actors use the entire space for entrances and exits, so latecomers may run into someone in 19thcentury Russian garb. Come early, and you will have a much better experience. Theatergoers from all over Columbus can find something to enjoy in this production.
From Russia with Love will be showing May 1st and 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at the Groveport Town Hall. There will be a special dinner presentation on May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at the Ravenwood Castle (reservations required). Visit www.rosebriarshakespeare.org or call
614-836-7939 for more information. Those interested in attending the Ravenwood Castle dinner performance should call 800-477-1541 for reservations and for information.
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Krista Threadgill spent her childhood following her parents around the Actors Guild of Parkersburg. After that, she wiled away her summers at Jenny Wiley Amphitheatre, and she has performed in two Neil Simon plays. She has an English degree from the Ohio State University.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:00 pm
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