Columbus State University theater professor Haley Rice is thrilled to be directing “Three Sisters.”
“This is my first time directing (Anton) Chekhov,” she said.
Rice studied the Russian dramatist while at Illinois State University, and she did some excerpts, including playing Natasha in “Three Sisters.”
One of the biggest challenges Rice and the actors face in performing this play is dealing with tight stage space.
“We have all this furniture on stage,” she said, waving her arm around. “I have all these actors and making sure everybody can be seen.”
But Rice has faith that the cast members will thrive. The cast “has a lot of personality, humor and humanity. Playing in a space this tight, they have to play it honestly.”
The translation that the CSU group will use is one written by the late Paul Schmidt.
“This translation was written for an American audience,” Rice said. It is a “play people can relate to and laugh to and be touched by.”
The play is set in 1940s Russia and costumer Steven Graver used vintage patterns to make the costumes. He said he’s been collecting these dress patterns for years and is thrilled to be able to use them.
Synopsis
The play is about a Russian Army family who leaves Moscow and are stationed in a rural outpost.
The three sisters in the family “really, really want to go back to Moscow,” Rice said. “These are bright, interesting women who are surrounded by people who are not.”
As the end of rehearsals loomed, Rice said she couldn’t wait to have an audience.
“I’m curious to see what the audience reaction will be,” she said. “I think they will recognize themselves in these characters.”
The play opens at the youngest sister Irina’s 20th birthday party, where eligible Army officers are also in attendance. It’s also the one-year anniversary of their father’s death.
Abby Jennings, who plays Olga, says her character is very strait-laced and took over her mother’s role years earlier when their mother died. She’s a schoolteacher.
“She can let loose, but keeps it together for the family,” she said. “She wants to get married. She wants to be loved.”
Taryn Plunkett plays Masha, the middle sister. She’s married to a teacher, who works with Olga.
“Masha is very sweet and she very nice, but ...”
She has a secret, but doesn’t want to reveal it. Masha feels trapped in her marriage and is bored.
Chelsea Dunham plays Irina, who is very youthful but matures during the course of the play.
Russell Yoe is playing Vershinin, who is “very long-winded, indeed.” He’s married, but has his indiscretions.
“The audience will relate to this,” Yoe said.
