WEST CHESTER, PA — In an exciting new development for local theatre lovers, West Chester University’s Department of Theatre & Dance is set to present a world premiere adaptation of the Anton Chekhov classic, ‘Three Sisters.’ Associate Professor of Theatre John Bellomo has adapted and will direct the show, delivering a unique blend of comedy and tragedy that promises to captivate audiences.
The performances will run from Thursday, February 29, through Saturday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. The venue is the JP Adler Studio Theatre, E.O. Bull Center for the Arts, located at 2 East Rosedale Ave., West Chester, PA. General admission tickets are priced at $15, with a discounted rate of $12 for students and seniors presenting a valid I.D.
First staged at the Moscow Art Theatre in 1901, ‘Three Sisters’ tells the story of the Prozorovs, three sisters who yearn to leave their country estate and return to Moscow. However, they find themselves ensnared by financial difficulties, tumultuous love affairs, and their personal demons. Chekhov masterfully balances the sisters’ poignant suffering with gentle humor, warmth, and compassion.
Bellomo’s adaptation, based on a translation by Russian scholar Victoria Squicciarini, seeks to explore the duality of comedy and tragedy within the script. He hopes to capture the complexity and nuance of human emotion, reflecting how laughter can quickly turn into tears and vice versa.
Adding a modern twist to the production, pre-recorded video will be projected onto the set, expanding the storytelling beyond the physical constraints of the stage. This innovative approach, according to Production Manager Christen Mandracchia, builds on the lessons learned during the pandemic and keeps the spirit of digital innovation alive in the industry.
The adaptation also incorporates traditional Russian folk music played live by the actor/musicians, adding an authentic touch to the performance. One of the actors, junior Theatre major David Gold, shares how the cast spent weeks studying their characters’ inner lives, a technique used by Stanislavsky, the original director of the show.
The cast of ‘Three Sisters’ includes talented students from various fields of study, promising a performance that will resonate with audiences and keep the spirit of Chekhov’s classic alive.
West Chester University’s Department of Theatre and Dance, an accredited institution of the National Association of Schools of Theatre, is known for preparing students for the professional and academic worlds of Theatre and Dance. With elective concentrations in Musical Theatre, Performance, Design and Production, as well as theatre and dance minors, the department offers a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their creative potential.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a fresh take on a classic play. Be sure to secure your tickets soon for what promises to be a memorable performance of ‘Three Sisters.’ To purchase your ticket, visit the West Chester University Box Office.
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