Chekhov's funny, poignant play, 'The Three Sisters,' comes to CTA

Lt. Col. Vershinin (Dennis Fox) and Masha (Chloe Liederman) await the start of the masquerade ball in the Cornell Center for Theatre Arts' production of "The Three Sisters," which runs Feb. 16-26. Call 254-ARTS for tickets. Nicola Kountoupes/University Photography

Anton Chekhov's "The Three Sisters," a thought-provoking social comedy, opens Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. in the Class of '56 Flexible Theatre at Cornell's Center for Theatre Arts.

A century after Chekhov began writing this poignant play, it continues to reach across time and cultures to resonate with audience members. The play follows Russian sisters through life experiences that explore the meanings of hope, happiness and despair.

"Chekhov really does have a sensibility about modern living that transcends time and is unequalled in the depth of his characters," said director Bruce Levitt, professor of directing and acting. "This is one of the richest plays in Western dramatic literature in terms of everyday human experience. You find yourself not wanting the evening to end because you get to know the people in the play so well."

The three sisters are played by Cornell undergraduates Leigh Williams '00 (Olga), Chloe Liederman '02 (Masha) and Jessica Heley '03 (Irina). The play also features four of Cornell's resident professional teaching associates: Jerry Bradley as Kulygin, Masha's husband; Dennis Fox as Vershinin, army commander; Tim True as Solyony, staff captain; and Mary Baird as Anfisa, the nurse. Two regional actors, Bill Gorman and Sidney Green, will appear on the Cornell stage as Chebutykin, the army doctor, and Ferapont, a porter.

The elaborate costumes for "The Three Sisters" are given an authentic Russian style by guest costume designer Olga Maslova. This Russian-born designer has designed costumes for Puccini's "Madama Butterfly," the Bill T. Jones Dance Company and at Juilliard. Maslova has her M.F.A. in costume and set design from New York University.

"Olga is doing extraordinary work," said Levitt. "She really has a feel for the flavor and history of this play and the period it is set in."

Other designers for the production are Andrew Mansfield as scenic designer, Dan Hall as lighting designer and Chuck Hatcher as sound designer.

Evening performances continue Feb. 17-20 and Feb. 23-26. Matinees are offered Feb. 20 and Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. A discussion with members of the cast and production team follows the Feb. 24 performance.

Tickets for "The Three Sisters" are $7 for students and seniors and $9 for the general public; call or visit the box office in the Center for Theatre Arts, 430 College Ave., between 12:30 and 5:30 p.m., weekdays; 254-ARTS (voice/tty).