An impressive set by Nina Ball literally sets the stage for a homecoming turned tragic in Anton Chekhov’s classic final work, The Cherry Orchard. The story of how one formerly powerful family flails in the face of losing their ancestral home is so sharply observed and written by Chekhov (and executed with mystical feeling by director Carey Perloff) that it will leave one emotionally wrung out like a tattered rag. Marin Theatre hosts the production in Mill Valley through Feb. 22.
Glamorous matriarch Liubóv (Liz Sklar, who becomes more engrossing as the show progresses) swans around her decrepit old estate in a way that would make Miss Havisham envious, drinking Champagne and spending freely.
She laughs often to hide anxiety over the disastrous situation she’s put herself in. And while not a villain, she’s totally careless. Her two children, naive Ánya (Anna Takayo) and adopted elder daughter Várya (Rosie Hallett, severe until a beautiful softness reveals itself at the end), orbit her fruitlessly, but always with hope she’ll come down to Earth.
Liubóv’s bachelor brother Gáyev (a compelling Anthony Fusco) is one of those rich men who pretends he’s an ordinary guy, delighting himself in his own waxing poetic mediocrity while popping candy and muttering, mantra-like, about billiard shots.
In fact, all of the characters are enamored with their own ideologies, spouting off about love and sex, identity, progress and classism whenever they can, often in random chorus. No one truly listens—their words flit between the drafty cracks of the mansion and float into the ether.
Comic relief of the highest caliber comes from Danny Scheie as spendthrift neighbor Pìshchik, whose antics are both outrageous and wholly believable. Molly Ransom is excellent as the dramatic housemaid Dunyásha. Lance Gardner romps as triumphant former servant Lopákhin.
The presence created by Ball’s set is truly an artistic accomplishment: The home is all shadows and decay, dolls scattered around the floor like corpses. It’s a space delicately balanced upon impending ruin. Lavish costumes by Lydia Tanji and sound design by James Ard enhance the surreal atmosphere.
The story is ultimately punctuated by the fate of its best character, Firs, the doting, utterly neglected butler. And the role is played with devastating truth by Howard Swain. This masterclass of a performance will leave one bereft.
Marin Theatre’s The Cherry Orchard might be the art to sustain one through the doldrums of winter.
‘The Cherry Orchard’ runs Tues–Sun through Feb. 22 at Marin Theatre, 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. Various dates and times. $15–$89. 415.388.5208. marintheatre.org.
