Nicky

A clever adaptation of an early Chekhov play from rural Czarist Russia to Palm Springs. Well-staged and well-acted, with Coeurage Company's usual professionalism,. But "Nicky" is dogged by the "Chekhov challenge" -- how to connect us to people who are disconnected from themselves? Playwright Boni Alvarez comes close to solving it with easily recognizable younger characters, and revealing monologs for the older ones -- but until we can feel more of what animates (or deadens) Nicky and Matthew and the other adults, two hours is an awfully long time to spend in their company. ... full review

Supposedly inspired by Anton Chekhov's tragedy "Ivanov" this updated version is more Tennessee Williams than Chekhov. The actors were fine within this new context but the culture and prejudices of Czarist Russia do not translate to sunny California of today. The theme of "Nicky" suggests a man in torment over his finances and his sexuality and that is a totally new play. ... full review