Nothing and Everything: Improvised Chekhov Plays
by Hideout Theatre
Nov. 08 - Dec. 20, 2014
Anton Chekhov is arguably the most celebrated playwright since Shakespeare. Also known for his hundreds of short stories, this giant of Russian literature cemented his reputation with four major plays written in his final decade: The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard. Chekhov is highly regarded for launching theater into the 20th century by writing characters so rich they spark hours of conversation and debate among both scholars and enthusiasts. Yet in spite of these accomplishments, readers and playgoers commonly utter the complaint that "nothing happens."
The Hideout Theatre presents Nothing and Everything, an improvised show whose title is inspired by the common reaction to these plays. A cast of eleven of some of Austin's most experienced improvisational actors will make up original tales of idle, turn-of-the-century Russian provincial lives.
They'll explore new Chekhovian worlds, in which nothing seems to happen except the timeless things normal people struggle with and make light of every day: love, death, happiness, suffering, God, fear, and longing. Starting with details provided by each evening’s audience, a small community of real people with hopes and fears will emerge into a full night of comedy and tragedy. Comedy? Yes, that's right! Much like our own lives, the unhappiness of Chekhov's subjects are surrounded by unexpected humor in unexpected places.
Don't be afraid to laugh!
The cast features several award–winning performers & crew:
Kareem Badr (Parallelogramophonograph, B.Iden Payne nominated director)
Kaci Beeler (Parallelogramophonograph, Austin Chronicle Best of: 2012 Best Actress)
Andrew Buck (I Love You So Much, Mandinka, YesAndrew.com)
Cat Drago (Kenjutsu, A Bedtime Gorey)
Courtney Hopkin (Your Terrific Neighbors, Austin Secrets)
Marc Majcher (Hurly Burly, B.Iden Payne nominated director, Breaking Beckett)
Troy Miller (2013 Austin Film Festival Writing Award, )
Peter Rogers (Fakespeare, Live Nude Improv, Dickens Unleashed!)
Jordan T. Maxwell (From Hulu’s Battleground, Austin Critics Circle award for Live Nude Improv)
Megan Sherrod (Austin Lyric Opera Chorus, H.M.S Pinafore, The Marriage of Figaro)
Valerie Ward (Parallelogramophonograph, B.Iden Payne nominated director)
Directed by: Jon Bolden (B.Iden Payne nominated director)
Production Assistant: David Yakubik
Production Assistant: Rachel Austin
Technical Improvisers: Michael Yew, Lindsey McGowen, and Cortney DeAngelo
Graphic and Scenic Design: Kaci Beeler
Photography: Jon Bolden
Runtime: 4 Acts, 70 – 95 minutes w/ intermission
Nothing and Everything: Improvised Chekhov Plays
by Hideout Theatre ensemble
Hideout Theatre
November 8 – December 20, 2014
Saturdays at 8 p.m.
