Apollinaire Theatre Company Presents
Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya"
Adapted by Craig Lucas

Apollinaire Theatre Company will present Craig Lucas' adaptation of "Uncle Vanya" by Anton Chekhov from December 29, 2011 - January 15, 2012 at the Chelsea Theatre Works, located at 189 Winnisimmet Street in Chelsea. Danielle Fauteux Jacques will direct the production.

Chekhov's tragicomic tale of love, loss, and inconvenient truths opens on a remote, no-longer grand country estate where the household is in disarray.

The celebrated Professor Serebriakov and his stunning, much younger second wife Elena have returned, not just for the summer but to stay. Serebriakov's daughter Sonya and her Uncle Vanya have devoted their lives to sustain the estate so the professor could concentrate on loftier pursuits in the city. Now work and sleep are interrupted, meals happen when the Professor is in the mood, and Vanya wakes to the realization that the Professor's work is a sham.

Disillusioned with his former idol, Vanya feels cheated by life. And to top it off, he's hopelessly in love with the professor's wife. Sonya is also hopelessly in love -- with the charismatic doctor Astrov. His increasingly frequent visits, inspired by the force of Elena's attraction, only fuel the chaos, primed to ignite when the Professor reveals a shocking plan.

"Uncle Vanya's" four scenes will each be staged in a distinct space in the theater, with the audience moving to a new location as the action continues. Seating will be limited to 30 guests per performance to accommodate the intimate staging.

Apollinaire Theatre Company is known for producing "environmentally" staged outdoor summer theater, most recently presenting "Cyrano de Bergerac" in 5 locations in Mary O'Malley Park. "Uncle Vanya" is the company's first environmentally staged indoor production, taking advantage of the natural architecture of the Chelsea Theatre Works.

For tickets, call 617-887-2336 or visit www.apollinairetheatre.com. Performances will be followed by a Reception with the actors in the Gallery.

-- Production photo: Danielle Fauteux Jacques