Uncle Vanya, Starring Cate Blanchett, Begins Kennedy Center Engagement Aug. 4 | Playbill

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News Uncle Vanya, Starring Cate Blanchett, Begins Kennedy Center Engagement Aug. 4 The Sydney Theatre Company's production of Uncle Vanya plays the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' Eisenhower Theater Aug. 4-27. Opening is scheduled for Aug. 6 at 7:30 PM.

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Cate Blanchett and Richard Roxburgh Photo by Lisa Tomasetti

Directed by renowned Chekhov interpreter Tamás Ascher, the cast features John Bell as Serebryakov, Cate Blanchett as Yelena, Sandy Gore as Maria, Hayley McElhinney as Sonya, Anthony Phelan as Telegin, Richard Roxburgh as Vanya, Andrew Tighe as a laborer, Jacki Weaver as Marina and Hugo Weaving as Astrov.

This adaptation of the Chekhov classic was penned by Andrew Upton. The production premiered in Australia at Sydney Theatre in November 2010.

"On a dilapidated, remote farm Uncle Vanya (Richard Roxburgh) and his niece Sonya (Hayley McElhinney) have worked slavishly for years to sustain an estate in decline. Now Professor Serebryakov (John Bell) and his wife Yelena (Cate Blanchett) have returned to visit, bringing with them chaos and disruption," according to press notes. "Constant visits from the charismatic Astrov (Hugo Weaving) are not helpful. Lunch is no longer served at lunch time--now it is procrastinated until dusk--work is forgotten and the long, cool nights have become sleepless. From this hotbed of disarray grow three consuming love affairs, each of which is destined to wither in disappointment before it has reached bloom. It is in this climate of frustration and thwarted hopes that the Professor chooses to announce a shocking plan."

The production also features set design by Zsolt Khell, costume design by Györgyi Szakács, lighting design by Nick Schlieper and music and sound design by Paul Charlier.

Tickets, priced at $59-$135, are available by visiting www.kennedy-center.org.

 
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