Love. Regrets. Gunshots.
Romantic entanglements upset life on a Russian estate in Chekhov's tragicomic masterpiece of yearning and regret. At times heartbreaking and hilarious, Uncle Vanya marks both Chekhov's long-awaited return to our stage, and the Cal Shakes directorial debut of San Jose Rep Artistic Director Timothy Near.
Running time: approximately 2 1/2 hours with a 15 minute intermission
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Listen to our Resident Dramaturg Laura Hope give a talk on Uncle Vanya and Anton Chekhov (Part 1). (Part 2) |
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Two weeks into the rehearsal process, director Timothy Near, adapter Emily Mann, actors Dan Hiatt and Joan Mankin, and our own Laura Hope and Jonathan Moscone give you the Inside Scoop on Uncle Vanya. |
Read the Blog: |
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The Cal Shakes Blog is a place where the many voices of California Shakespeare Theater—Main Stage actors, office staff, New Works/New Communities collaborators—can e-harmonize. Read it for the inside scoop from actors, playwrights, marketing folks, and more. |
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Press photos from Uncle Vanya. Photos by Jay Yamada. |
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Inside Scoop
Mon, Jul 21, Orinda Library. Meet our artists as they discuss their creative choices at these free events. Complimentary Loard’s ice cream and Peet’s Coffee will be served.
Grove Talks
Nightly, beginning 45 minutes prior to each performance in the The Law Offices of Taggart & Hawkins Grove. Our resident Grove Talk speakers provide invaluable insight into our work as they discuss the relationship between play (text, history, critical theory) and production (directorial point of view, design, character interpretation). Talks are approximately 20 minutes long.
Previews
Wed, Aug 6, Thu Aug 7, Fri, Aug 8, 8pm. Be part of the process by seeing the show before opening night at deeply discounted prices.
Opening Night
Sat, Aug 9, 8pm. See the performance on opening night (with the critics!) and then rub shoulders with the cast at a post-show party with food, drinks and music.
Tasting Nights
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Aug 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27. Taste the best of the Bay Area’s wine, beer, coffee, sweets, and savories for free! Our free tastings take place pre-show in the Bruns lobby, beginning at 6pm and continuing until curtain time (7:30pm).
Behind the Scenes
Thu, Jun 5, 5:30pm, Upper Grove Share an intimate chat with actors from the production. The evening includes a backstage tour, hors d’oeuvres, wine, and a catered dinner before the show. Cost: $40 (not including theater ticket). Call 510.548.9666 to order.
Meet the Artists
Sundays, Aug 10 and 24, following the 4pm performance (approx. 7pm). Discuss the production with the cast! Takes place in the amphitheater. Free and open to the public – you need not be a ticket holder for that day’s performance to attend.
InSight
Sunday, Aug 17, following the 4pm performance (approx. 7pm) Explore the world of the play with the dramaturg at this post-play conversation. Takes place in the amphitheater. Free and open to the public – you need not be a ticket holder for that day’s performance to attend.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director/Timothy Near
Set Designer/Erik Flatmo
Costume Designer/Raquel M. Barreto
Lighting Designer/York Kennedy
Sound Designer/Jeff Mockus
Dramaturg/Laura Hope
Stage Manager/Les Reinhardt*
Fight Consultant/Dave Maier
Casting Director/Janet Foster
Assistant Director/Carin White
Production Assistant/Donna Acquavella
Stage Management Intern/Amanda Warner
*Denotes member of Actors Equity.
REVIEWS
Cal Shakes delivers poignant Uncle Vanya
By Robert Hurwitt, San Francisco Chronicle
A Gently Insightful Production
By Karen D’Souza, San Jose Mercury News
Beauty, boredom, brilliance imbue Cal Shakes’ Vanya
By Chad Jones, SF Examiner.com
FEATURES
A new stage in life
By Robert Hurwitt, San Francisco Chronicle
SJ Rep’s Timothy Near has a Change of Scenery
By Karen D’Souza, San Jose Mercury News
Uncle Vanya, 'Seussical' visit East Bay outdoor theaters
By Pat Craig, Contra Costa Times
Dan Hiatt on Chekhov, regret and gunshots
By Chad Jones, Theater Dogs
