My husband’s translation of ‘Cherry Orchard’ was so naturalistic. A few minutes into John Turturro’s opening scene, I squeezed Chris’s arm and whispered, “So good. Genius.”
Chris (John Christopher Jones) did a brilliant job of situating the audience right there with the family at the grand Russian estate as it falls into disrepair and bankruptcy, sold to the local boor — or is he a self-made man? — played by Turturro.
An actor at the cast party told me it was the only of Chekhov’s place that the author considered a comedy. (Actors can be so smart — like real artists, not just empty-headed celebs!)
Chris worked hard of this translation, obsessed by it for months. He spent a lot time sitting in front of the computer. I know how hard it is to write. It is mostly about keeping your seat in the chair.
I have seen Chris in a number of Chekhov plays. From those plays, I can see what life was like back in the day before people realized you should work out to lift your spirits. Or perhaps, people, try some anti-depressants?
In Chekhov’s plays my heart always breaks for the way the characters ridicule the intellectual, the perpetual student. Ugh.
This production is not depressing. I loved the party scene where the family, led by Dianne Wiest, and the guests wait to hear about the fate of the estate. The party goers’ spirits were as light as the stuffing from the chair that flew around the stage when Turturro ripped open the furniture.
For some reason, I always imagine the cherry orchard bathed in late afternoon light, like in the Van Gogh painting of the olive orchard. The cherry orchard never appears on stage yet it is a character in the play, once great and now parceled away — like so many nations, families and nature itself. 
On the cab ride home from the opening night party, I read Chris the The New York Times Review of ‘Cherry Orchard’ off of my smart phone, hitting bumps and speeding up Third Avenue. It was a triumph for Chris.
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Wonderful!
Thanks — Yes, it’s amazing. And wonderful. Good things happen to good people!
Thanks for sharing this MaryBeth. Honestly, I have never had a great desire to see some of the great Russian plays (too depressing?), but your comments make me want to go. Congratulations to Chris (and the entire family) for this great success.
I hear you on the depressing aspects of Russian literature, but there is beauty (and humor) in all kinds of emotions, including depression. 😉 Thanks for discussing faith with me last Sunday! It meant a lot!
“I know how hard it is to write. It is mostly about keeping your seat in the chair.”
Amen to that, MBC, It’s so easy to head off to the kitchen for a “motivational” snack or, worst of all, start “researching” something on the web….also known as just diddling away the time while not actually writing anything. Darn Intenet anyway! At least the web brings your writing to those of us “across country” via your wonderful blog. Not to complain as central Iowa is bathed in a beautiful blanket of snow….since Saturday… and today the sun came out. The snow was actually “twinkling” when I gazed out the back window early this morning….God’s wondrous works, indeed.
So true! the web contributes to my adult-onset ADD! And Alan, the sparkling Iowa snow sounds lovely, but I am not ready for it yet in NYC. Maybe Christmas-time!
How wonderful to hear that Chris’ work on Cherry Orchard is being so well received. Your portrayal of heading back uptown in a cab while reading the NY Times review is like a scene from “All About Eve.” I loved your post about the late night shennanigans in your ‘hood. That is an aspect of New York Upper West Side culture I DO NOT miss. Best to everyone in the Jones-Coudal families….and have a wonderful December and most joyous Christmas and New Year.
Thanks! Yes, I have always been the filter for Chris’s theater reviews, but on this one, he can just read away. I don’t think there are any negative reviews!