CSC's Starry Uncle Vanya Extends Before It Begins

Classic Stage Company is extending its limited engagement of Uncle Vanya by a week. The classic Chekhov work, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal as Yelena, Peter Sarsgaard as Astrov, and Denis O’Hare in the title role, was originally set to close on March 1 and will now play to March 8. The production, directed by Austin Pendleton, begins previews on January 17 and opens on February 12.

The cast also features Mamie Gummer Sonya, Louis Zorich Waffles, George Morfogen Srebryakov, Delphi Harrington Maria and Cyrilla Baer Marina.

Chekhov’s tragicomic masterpiece of dashed dreams, thwarted love and eternal longing, Uncle Vanya tells the story of the quintessential superfluous man, who wakes up one morning to discover he has wasted his life in the service of others. The play was first performed at the Moscow Art Theater in 1899, directed by Constantine Stanislavsky.

This off-Broadway revival of Uncle Vanya features scenic design by Santo Loquasto, who has designed numerous Chekhovian productions, including the famed Lincoln Center production of The Cherry Orchard in 1977 and last season’s off-Broadway revival of The Seagull at CSC. Costume design is by Suzy Benzinger and lighting design is by Jason Lyons.