Photo Flash: Balagan's NIRVANOV Gives an Interesting Take on Cobain's Last Days

Balagan Theatre continued its Summer New Works program the other night with their reading of the Anton Chekov and Kurt Cobain inspired, "Nirvanov". And Broadway World was given exclusive access to bring you photos from the reading of this fascinating look into one of Seattle's biggest and most tragic citizens.

Nirvanov is a glam-grunge rock musical that combines Anton Chekhov's Ivanov with the tortured last days of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, who like Ivanov committed suicide in the midst of a debilitating battle with depression. With book and lyrics by David Lee and music by Nandi Johannes and David Lee, Nirvanov examines Cobain's final days in 1990s Seattle, as well as his fascination with 1940s Hollywood legend Frances Farmer.

While it may be a little early to call it on this new piece, it definitely shows some promise. Like any work it has a ways to go but the haunting melodies and thrilling correlation of three very different but equally tortured souls create a gripping show that left the audience a little stunned. But that could also have something to do with the exceptional cast who were part of the reading including Van Hughes as Nirvanov, Rebecca Fisher as Frances Farmer, Kirsten doLohr Helland as Lvov, C.S. Lee as Mr. G, Mari Nelson as Mrs. G, Allen Fitzpatrick as Chekov/Gabriel, Solea Pfeiffer as Sasha, Eli Lutz as Young Nirvanov and Eric Hagreen, Olivia Hamilton, Justin Huertas and Zac Stowell as the Vamps.

You may have missed the reading but you're still in luck as Balagan has plans to remount a full production of "Nirvanov" in 2014 as part of their Mainstage season. But until then check out the BWW exclusive pictures.

Photo credit: Jay Irwin