Ethan Hawke will be taking on the role of "Ivanov," in the self title play which is currently in circulation at the Classic Stage Company until Sunday, Dec.9.
This isn't Hawke's first theatrical piece the actor started his career to such works. This Anton Chekhov piece is meant to follow the life of "Nikolai Ivanov" and director Austin Pendleton looks to inject life into this more and not melancholy character.
The reviews for Pendleton's rendition of "Ivanov," have been mixed with some giving damning criticism to his work.
Time Out New York's Adam Feldman said. "The first half of his production is positively soporific, and as hard as this can be on the audience, it conveys the suffocation that leaves Ivanov gasping for the renewal that Sasha's romantic ardor might represent," and later added. "If you can stick it out, Ivanov eventually bores into you."
On the performance of star man Ethan Hawke the New York Times said From the get-go Mr. Hawke appears in such an advanced, manic state of misery that your instinct is to call for a straitjacket," and went on to say Mr. Hawke in the flesh exudes a solar energy that has made him a formidable stage presence as in the Lincoln Center Theater production of Tom Stoppard's "Coast of Utopia."
The Washington Post said about the Hollywood star. "Ethan Hawke does a heroic job of being both appealing and insufferable as Ivanov, an educated, formerly successful man in his mid-30s."
The Washington newspaper also went on to say about Pendleton's work saying that it was.
"Beautifully detailed period costumes brighten the simply-presented interiors and exteriors of two Russian country estates, anchored by Santo Loquasto's masterfully lit, majestic, bookcase-backed set," and added.
"Despite the uneven nature of some scenes, Pendleton and his talented cast ably convey the boredom of rural life and the random effects of depression on everyone around the victim, while illuminating the typically Chekhovian mix of humor and pathos."
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