Susan Granger’s review of “Vanya” (Off-Broadway: Lucille Lortel Theatre)
Having been dazzled by Andrew Scott’s riveting performance as the psychopath in TV’s “Ripley” (2024), I was eager to see how he’d handle playing all eight characters in Simon Stephen’s new version of “Vanya,” based on Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” (1897),
Adapting the lengthy Russian classic, Simon Stephens retains Chekhov’s basic unrequited love plot while transporting the now-Anglicized characters into a late 20th century rural farm house and speaking with Irish accents.
Morose, middle-aged Ivan (sometimes referred to as Vanya) manages his late sister Anna’s property, where he lives with his complaining mother, Elizabeth, and works with his compliant niece Sonia, often toting a red-and-white dishcloth.
Joining them for the summer are Sonia’s film director father, scarf-wearing Alexander, and his much younger, second wife Helena, who compulsively fingers her gold necklace.
They’re often visited by elegant, idealistic Michael, an alcoholic physician, who repeatedly bounces a tennis ball. Lovelorn Sonia adores him but he only has eyes for lovely Helena, as does Ivan/Vanya.
Plus there’s the laborer Liam, known by the cruel nickname Crater, alluding to his suffering from acne in his young, and Maureen, the chain-smoking housekeeper.
Incredibly versatile, 48 year-old Andrew Scott adroitly slips in and out of each character’s voice and distinctive physicality. An absorbing theatrical event – it’s a towering achievement!
Credited as co-creators – along with Simon Stephens – of this production, which premiered in London’s West End in 2023 – are director Sam Yates and scenic designer Rosanna Vize, whose work is augmented by James Farncombe’s effective lighting.
Performed in one-hour, 40 intermission-free minutes, “Vanya” plays at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher Street, through May 11. Check out Vanyaonstage.com