Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Mint uncharacteristically comes up short with the tepid CHEKHOV/TOLSTOY: LOVE STORIES

• By drediman
• February 11, 2020
• No Comments

Katie Firth, J. Paul Nicholas, and Malik Reed in Mint Theater Company’s production of “Chekhov/Tolstoy: Love Stories” (pictured, “Michael”) adapted by Miles Malleson at Theatre Row. Photo by Maria Baranova.

Last night at Off-Broadway’s Theatre Row, Mint Theater Company breathed tepid new life into two fairly obscure works by Anton Chekhov and Leo Tostoy, collectively under the umbrella of a double bill called Chekhov/Tolstoy: Love Stories. The pairing, adapted for the stage by Miles Malleson and sensitively directed by Jonathan Bank, represents a very rare and uncharacteristic misstep for the folks at the Mint, whose indispensable mandate to resuscitate lost plays of the past has resulted in an astonishing string of superbly-realized productions over the years.

The Chekhov piece – entitled The Artist – is the slighter and far less compelling of the two. The play is clearly lesser Chekhov, and is essentially a limp outline of a budding romance between a poor but idealistic artist and a soulful, intellectual young woman from a wealthy family. Unfortunately, the play, despite some solid performances (and a head-scratching surprise twist at its conclusion), registers barely any dramatic weight and seems to last an eternity even given its scant running time. Mr. Malleson’s works are typically astute and thoughtful (Unfaithfully Yours and Conflict as staged by the Mint were particularly excellent); here, he seems amiss, and the result is a meandering, shapeless English translation with only vague hints of the brilliance of the Russian master’s classic full-length works.

Tolstoy’s Michael comprises the second half of the evening and is the more interesting and successful of the pair. The piece – adapted for the stage by Mr. Malleson from a Tolstoy short story – is a somber parable that tells the tale of a destitute, mysterious man (the titular Michael) who takes refuge with a pitying cobbler and his small, meager household. After a series of strange encounters with customers, the play’s supernatural agenda gradually makes itself evident. Indeed, there’s something otherworldly about this Michael (no spoilers here!). The end result is a haunting play — and staging — that’s for the most part exquisitely wrought. Mr. Malleson and Mr. Bank seem more at ease here, and the production’s careful pacing and detailed acting make for a rich experience. Too bad audiences have to sit through the Chekhov piece, though.

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CHEKHOV/TOLSTOY: LOVE STORIES
Off-Broadway, Play
Mint Theater Company / Theatre Row
1 hour, 30 minutes (without an intermission)
Through March 14