The Real Ivanov Off-Broadway Reviews

With a slew of characters and not much historical context given within the dialogue of the play, some of the relationships and the goings-on may be hard to keep up with. But what’s most striking about The Real Ivanov is how modern these relationshi...

With a slew of characters and not much historical context given within the dialogue of the play, some of the relationships and the goings-on may be hard to keep up with. But what’s most striking about The Real Ivanov is how modern these relationships sound and feel (19th-century bigotry, and excellent 19th-century costuming by Ella Mazta, notwithstanding). Director Strausfeld and a strong cast make this adaptation feel alive, dangerous, and ripe for discussion.

As only the first dipping of my toes into Checkov I will admit finding some of the material intellectually difficult to crack. As is, The Real Ivanoff still emerges as hugely entertaining, although it does miss a few vital ingredients that I love to ...

As only the first dipping of my toes into Checkov I will admit finding some of the material intellectually difficult to crack. As is, The Real Ivanoff still emerges as hugely entertaining, although it does miss a few vital ingredients that I love to see from a compelling play. Whether you come for Underwood, or for a taste of Chekhov, The Real Ivanoff is an interesting slice of Off Broadway theatre that will leave you with plenty to think about amid its closing moments of madness.

The play needed better pacing overall. Strausfeld stages certain pivotal moments in an icy blue light, where time and space shift. It is particularly effective when Ivanov breaks out of the world as we know it. Just as Ivanov needs others to make ...

The play needed better pacing overall. Strausfeld stages certain pivotal moments in an icy blue light, where time and space shift. It is particularly effective when Ivanov breaks out of the world as we know it. Just as Ivanov needs others to make him see more of himself, the production benefits from breaking the framework from time to time.