Ivanov Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Patinkin's adaptation remains remarkably faithful to the original story and makes the language more muscular than flowery, as can sometimes be the case with Chekhov. For example, he uses the harshest of all anti-Semitic epithets as the way in which the other characters describe Ivanov's tubercular Jewish wife, Anna (Cyd Blakewell, in a tenacious and heartbreaking performance). And although it may seem perverse to describe a play about a guy who spends most his time onstage talking himself into his own suicide as a comedy, that's very much in keeping with the spirit of Chekhov."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"... the inquisitive, passionate, disarmingly young cast are so in tune with Chekhov's nuanced style they make Patinkin's 2001 Steppenwolf production of Uncle Vanya look like a middle-school pageant. These two-and-a-half hours are about all you need to understand why Chekhov, theater, and life matter."

Chicago Free Press - Recommended

"...As with many contemporary classical writers, this (mostly) spring fresh cast has a long road of established actors to be compared with. (Kenneth Branagh recently enacted the role of Ivanov in a 2008 production.) But, the performers passionately rise to the challenge here. Cyd Blakewell and Sue Redman invest their anti-heroines with wise frailty and they are well reflected by Jeremy Fisher’s heart sore Ivanov. Johnny Russell as a passionately misguided doctor and Calliope Porter as giggling young widow also register with humor and warmth making this production of “Ivanov” a grand showcase for both young talent and for the reflected genius of Chekhov as well."

Edge - Highly Recommended

"...SiNNERMAN Ensemble’s new production of Ivanov, directed and adapted by Sheldon Patinkin, is clearly a success. The production breathes through the toils of many hard-working talents both on- and off-stage, aided heavily by the strong direction Patinkin has taken with the classic Anton Chekhov 'comedy.' "

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Perhaps the company should have gone for parody. Instead, the ensemble plays it mostly straight, and the black comedy is lost. Some cast members do nail the comedy-tragedy balance: Howie Johnson and Sue Redman shine as the sanest aristos on the estate. But for the most part, the actors seem undirected, choosing enunciation or ennui over character."

Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended

"...The main characters of SiNNERMAN’s production are talented – keeping the plainness in Chekhov’s characters while also bringing to life the complexity behind their lives. Chekhov has written no complete villain or saint. We cannot empathize with Nikolai because we do not trust his character, but yet we also do not know if he actually has malicious intent; he may be the victim of gossip and bad luck."