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'Anton's Abandoned
Story Cycle' Extends an The Raven
by Trish Ostroski
I
have a few "F" words for this production. Fun! Fantastic! Farcical!
The full title of this play is "Our Own Dear Anton's Abandoned Story
Cycle Presented by Ivan and Burkin (100 years after they left their
village)".
In 1898, Anton Chekhov started to write a cycle of interlocking
stories as part of several attempts to write a novel. After penning
the first three, he abandoned the project.
Along comes writer Joseph Skibell who energetically picks up, 100
years later, where the cycle left off. The artist uses Chekhov's
original characters Ivan and Burkin, who both agree to complete
Anton's unfinished project. For good measure, the writer brings
in a new character, philosophy student and novelist, Vladimir.
Writer Joseph Skibell's script clearly demonstrates his tremendous
imagination, wit, and talent right down to the ending line, serving
one delighful phrase after another.
Director Virginia Morris provides fluid and fun direction that doesn't
get in the way of the actors' talents and effectively uses the spacing
and props to both maximize the blocking and enhance the story in
delightful fashion.
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The end result
is a special magical production.
Richard Kuhlman (Burkin) is maserful in playing his character, aslo
the narrator and many other characters who come alive in the storytelling
process. William H. Bassett (Ivan) adds a strong, knowing presence
that playfully shines, especially when he portrays the young women
characters, but also in other moments as well.
Michael Albala (Vladimir) romps around in wonderful abandon as he
relates facts and incidents and mugs for the audience. This trio
forms a perfect dance of buzzing bees and somewhat battling egos
that energetically entertain as well as tell the story and narrate
the tale.
Each actor in their character has a strong and fun rapport with
the audience. Each maintains the consistent energy and generates
the superb timing that this 90- minute production with instant scene
changes and no intermission requires. This cast seems to be having
as much fun as the audience.
"Anton's" run
at The Raven in North Hollywood has been extended until Nov. 18.
The show plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays
at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $15. Senior, student and group discount rates
are available. For reservations, call 323-478-1337 or log on to
www.shapeshifterproductions.com. The Raven Playhouse is located
at 5233 Lankershim Blvd.
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