Summerfolk's Bold Staging: A Timely Ponder

0:00On March 26, a fresh take on Maxim Gorky's 1904 play Summer Folk has hit the stage in an adaptation by siblings Nina and Moses Rain, directed by Robert Hastie. The first half moves slowly as it introduces a big cast of characters, but it builds to something truly rewarding for patient viewers. The standout moments include a tender subplot of budding romance between young clerk Vlas, played by Alex Lauter, and Dr. Maria, brought to life by Justine Mitchell. Dune Mackichan steals scenes as the overly dramatic Poe Calaria, while a visiting writer character falls flat in a humorous way. Written as a direct nod to Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, the year he passed, the play lacks some of that subtlety, but still captures characters longing. For better days amid hints of trouble ahead, the production's modern language makes those themes feel timely. Peter McKintosh's set design shines, shifting from a half-built wooden house to a misty forest with clever use of water and weather decking paired with sharp costumes.

1:04A 23-person cast, full of familiar TV faces, delivers compelling work across the board. This bold staging leaves you pondering how the good times might be slipping away, much like in real life today.