The Marriage Proposal by Anton Chekhov

When most people think of Chekhov, their minds immediately go to the plays that are most often studied in college theatre courses or Russian literature courses. Famous plays like The Seagull, and The Cherry Orchard top the list. Though Chekhov considered these to be comedies, they are often portrayed as dark dramatic pieces, and Stanislavki often argued that these plays were in fact, tragedies.

Even Stanislavski would have a difficult time making the argument that The Marriage Proposal was not a comedy, as it is built upon farcical elements that Chekhov embraced early in his writing career. In our day and age, farces such as this are risky, and audiences often are skeptical of such extreme behaviors acted out before them. But in Los Angeles Theatre Factory Studio’s production of The Marriage Proposal, director Elena Vannoni brings a clever take on a classic style. With veteran LA actor Tony Gatto as the exuberant, suspicious Chubukov, and Mehgan McGarry as his beloved princess

Los Angeles Theatre Factory Studio is pleased to present one of Anton Chekhov’s earliest works, “The Marriage Proposal.” This one act farce is under the direction of Elena Vannoni, Artistic Director for the Theatre Factory Studio. Elena brings a wealth of directorial and dance expertise to her version of a classic play that is sure to bring lots of laughs to Holly Fringe Audiences. Elena masterfully weaves creative movement patterns, comic Lazzi, and vibrant staging to a play with timeless, universal themes that audiences from any background can grasp. Elena is supported by Producer Alessia Patregani, Associate Producer and Assistant Director, Clayton Guiltner, and graphic designer Vicky D’Incecco.

Featuring veteran LA Theatre actor Tony Gatto as the boisterous Stepan Chubukov, along with NYU trained Meghan McGarry as his daughter Natalya, these two bring a life and energy to an otherwise drab 1890’s family. New to LA, Dustin Wilfert, plays the love-sick, hypochondriac Ivan Lomo