Theater: “Vanya” starring Andrew Scott

NYC theatergoers: does it ever feel like you’ve seen every Chekhov play ever written? I can count at least three productions of “Uncle Vanya,” some good, others not worth remembering.

That said, I will not easily forget Andrew Scott’s “Vanya” at the Lucille Lortel because the actor known as the “hot priest from ‘Fleabag’” is on fire in this production. And not just as Uncle Vanya but as all eight characters.

Such a performance could be interpreted as a gimmick. But ultimately it requires an actor who can dig deep into the emotions of females and males, aristocrats and servants—and know every word of the play as if he’d written them himself.

In the current production, which Scott created with Simon Stephens, the setting has been changed—from Russia to Ireland— as have a few of the characters’ names: Vanya is now Ivan, Astrov is now Michael, Waffles is now Liam and Alexander is a filmmaker instead of a scholar. (Newbies are advised to brush up on their Chekhov beforehand.)

Using a range of voices and mannerisms, Scott moves seamlessly between all eight characters. But he keeps you engaged with more than just words. He laughs, cries, sings (“If You Go Away”), bounces a tennis ball, and at one point takes off his shirt to indicate Helena and Michael are making love. He also dons dark glasses whenever it’s time for him to be Ivan, a lonely man who feels his life has been a waste.

This production which originated in London two years ago is directed by Sam Yates and has been designed by Rosanna Vize, both of whom share co-creator credits with Scott and Simon Stephens. The winner of every award in the West End, it was kind of a big deal there and now here.

Towards the end of the play, Scott/Ivan makes a face that signals he is about to pickup a gun: “Now, I know what I’m going to do. You won’t forget me.” After this terrific production, none of us will.

Like this review? Follow me at “What Does Aug Think?” at acsntn. substack.com. Thank you!