Displaying items by tag: Nikolai Erdman
Banned by Stalin, 'Dying For It' Is A Laugh Riot
Artistic Home has given theater goers a rare jewel of a comedy, a 1928 send-up of Soviet society that was never seen by Russian audiences because Stalin banned it. Well, his censors must have read only half way through, and clearly had no sense of humor, because this is comedy of the highest order.
I’ll admit I was tempted to bail at intermission, as the humor in the first half felt a bit forced, and was mostly inside jokes for Soviet citizens. But as a reviewer I am pledged to see it through, and the outcome of the pivotal turning point was set up right before break. So I had to come back to find out what would happen. OMG was it funny! Take my advice and see this whole play, because you need the set-up to get the jokes in Act 2.
I’ll offer no spoilers, but in the first act we meet the hapless Semyon (Daniel Shtivelberg), an unemployed and hopeless young man who lives with his wife Masha (Kayla Adams) and mother-in-law Serafima (Kathy Scambiatterra is a hoot) in a crowded flat—perhaps situated in the apartment building lobby. The public setting of their dwelling and a common bathroom shared with the other residents assures us the opportunity to meet the postman Yegor (Reid Coker is great)—a model Soviet citizen—and another gentleman, Alexander (Todd Wojcik is a delight, as always) who seems to be sex trafficking with his willing partner, Margarita (Kristin Collins).
Semyon laments his unhappy fate, jobless and living from the earnings of his wife, while his mother-in-law manages the housekeeping. The two women are supportive despite Semyon’s dire emotional state. After failing in a last ditch effort to become a busker—he gets a tuba and instruction booklet but can’t master the instrument—his inner conflicts drive him to end it all. (The original play by Nikolai Erdman was called ‘The Suicide’ and is freely adapted here by Moira Buffini.)
Kristin Collins, Kayla Adams, Todd Wojcik and Kathy Scambiatterra in The Artistic Home's production of "Dying For It" at the Den Theatre.
Ironically, his decision to off himself makes Semyon suddenly of interest to others, and we soon see the arrival of three counter-revolutionary tropes of Stalin’s day: a member of the intelligentsia, Aristarkh (John Laflamboy plays it for all he's worth), the Westernized temptress Kiki (Brookelyn Hébert) a romantic poet Viktor (Khyel Roberson in a spot-on performance), and an Orthodox priest Father Yelpidy (Patrick Thornton). All hope to leverage Semyon's suicide to their benefit, mostly by encouraging him to write about them in his suicide note.
His neighbor the hedonist sees the occasion as a good excuse for a party, and with that Semyon’s plans to off himself become bigger than him—and the laugh fest begins in earnest.
Watching the players perform for all they’re worth in the first act had me curious, their earnest performances almost over the top with energy. Now I know why: they had all seen the second act!
Comedy is all in the timing, and credit director Monica Payne for keeping everyone on cue. Scenic design by Kevin Hagen is excellent, and costumes by Rachel Lambert are noteworthy in their authentic feel.
This rare opportunity to see a hidden gem should not be missed. "Dying For It” runs at The Den Theatre through April 23.
Unimaginably Good: “An Iliad” Is the Best Show I Have Ever Seen
17 June 2025 in Theatre in ReviewCourt Theatre has brought back to its stage “An Iliad,” a surpassingly wonderful riff on Homer’s ancient Greek poem, “The…
Review: You Will Get Sick at Steppenwolf Theatre
16 June 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIf ever given the chance to see Amy Morton on her home stage at Steppenwolf–take it. She stars in the…
Cast and creative team announced for SENTINELS, a play with music celebrating the contributions of women over the past 80 years
15 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreCPA Theatricals and Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre today announced casting for their co-production of the play with music SENTINELS, which…
EUREKA DAY WILL PLAY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE AT WATER TOWER PLACE JANUARY 13 – FEBRUARY 22, 2026
13 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce Chicago’s acclaimed TimeLine Theatre Company is returning to the Broadway Playhouse at Water…
“Twihard! A Twilight Musical Parody” Sinks Its Teeth Into Limited Engagement At the Apollo Theater
12 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreOtherworld Theatre Company, the premier sci-fi and fantasy live theater production company in North America, today announced its smash hit…
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces cast and creative team for an electrifying world premiere play Billie Jean
12 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today the cast and creative team of the world premiere play Billie Jean, about sports icon and equality…
PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD RETURNS THIS SUMMER, JULY 14 - 23
12 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatrePorchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the return of its free summer concert series Broadway in your Backyard, July 14…
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late: Kimberly Akimbo a Must See at CIBC Theatre
12 June 2025 in Theatre ReviewsI like to think that I am hip and with it (insert millennial Gif here). I like to think that…
42 Balloons Soaring High at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
11 June 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIt’s 1982 and Larry Walters approaches his lawn chair. On either side are bags and containers full of various items…
Hell in a Handbag's QUEEN FOR A DAY - July 9 – August 3, 2025 at the Bramble Arts Loft - World Premiere!
10 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY written by…
Review: Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre at Ruth Page Center for the Arts
09 June 2025 in Dance in ReviewThis performance by Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (CRDT) at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts directly addressed and refuted…
Review: Iraq, But Funny at Lookingglass Theatre
09 June 2025 in Theatre in Review“Ripe material for a comedy,” chuckles Atra Asdou, writer and star of ‘Iraq, but Funny” now playing at Lookingglass Theatre.…
Chasing the White Rabbit into Ballet Brilliance: Joffrey Ballet’s Mesmerizing 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'
07 June 2025 in Dance in ReviewWowza! If you're searching for one of Chicago’s must-see summer events, look no further. The Joffrey Ballet has done it…
Elizabeth McGovern's AVA: The Secret Conversations to play in Chicago
06 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreFollowing an acclaimed run at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and NY City Center in New York, AVA: The Secret…
A Remarkable Story Based on Real Events: 'Six Men Dressed Like Stalin'
04 June 2025 in Theatre in Review“Six Men Dressed Like Stalin,” now at A Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago and directed by dado, draws upon the…
THE DEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES JULY COMEDY SHOWS
01 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThe Den Theatre today announced upcoming July 2025 shows at the theatre's Wicker Park stages at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., including Sammy…
OPERA FESTIVAL OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR PAGLIACCI, JUNE 27 AND 29 AT THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
01 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThe Opera Festival of Chicago announces the cast and creative team for Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo, directed by Sasha Gerritson, conducted by…
It's Funny What Can Happen on a "Neighborhood Watch," Now Running at Jackalope Theatre
31 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewYou’ll want to join this “Neighborhood Watch," a fast-paced comedy having its world premiere in Jackalope Theatre’s performance space in…
Kokandy Productions Presents the Chicago Premiere of AMÉLIE
28 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreKokandy Productions invites you to spend the summer in Paris (Montmartre, to be exact), as it kicks off its 2025 Season with…
MJ THE MUSICAL is On Sale Wednesday May 28th!
27 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreProducers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain and Broadway In Chicago are thrilled to announce that individual tickets for the highly anticipated return engagement of…
Evanston Salt Costs Rising: Stormy souls on salted streets at First Floor Theater
26 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewRecent Chicago-area winters have been relatively easy ones. Lest we forget howling blizzards or subzero temperatures, Will Arbery’s Evanston Salt…
Corn Productions has a new original play premiering in June - Support Group For The End Of The World
26 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreCorn Productions announces the world premiere of “Support Group For The End Of The World” Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, June…
History. Passion. Power. A Love That Changed an Empire - Scandalous Boy at
25 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewI’m a geek, I admit it; I love seeing theatre that’s … well … real. Like SCANDALOUS BOY – you’ve…
Writers Theatre concludes its 2024/25 Season with the World Premiere of Dhaba on Devon Avenue
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, concludes its…
TimeLine Theatre Company announces milestone 2025-26 season, culminating with inaugural production at its new home in Uptown
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreTimeLine Theatre Company, celebrated for its powerful and provocative productions that connect past, present, and future, announces a landmark 29th…
RAVEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES 43rd SEASON - Dave Malloy's A Capella Musical OCTET and Terry Guest's OAK Get Chicago Premieres; TOP GIRLS Explores Feminism Through History
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreChicago's Raven Theatre Company today announced its 43rd season, with productions appearing on its Edgewater stages at 6157 N. Clark St. in…
Marriott Theatre Continues 50th Anniversary Season with Vibrant New Jukebox Musical, Always Something There…
21 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreFor a dose of summer fun, theatergoers are invited to grab their Walkman, cue up their favorite 80s mix tape,…
Lucid Theater to stage comedy BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by WELLS AND WELLES playwright Amy Crider, August 1-17 at the Edge Theatre
21 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreLucid Theater announced today it will present the world premiere of BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by Chicago playwright Amy Crider, whose WELLS…
Review: HONEYPOT: BLACK SOUTHERN WOMEN WHO LOVE WOMEN at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Evanston
20 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewHONEYPOT originated as a creative nonfiction book by E. Patrick Johnson, Dean of the School of Communication at Northwestern University.…
The Title Says it All in Conspirators Remarkable ‘Chicago Cop Macbeth’
20 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIt was a dark and stormy night as I motored to The Conspirators “Chicago Cop Macbeth,” with a fog of…
Latest Articles
-
Unimaginably Good: “An Iliad” Is the Best Show I Have Ever Seen
Written by Bill EslerCourt Theatre has brought back to its stage “An Iliad,” a surpassingly wonderful riff on Homer’s ancient Greek poem, “The Iliad,” starring Timothy Edward Kane in a reprise of his sensational one-man performance as The Poet, directed by Charles Newell.… -
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces cast and creative team for an electrifying world premiere play Billie Jean
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today the cast and creative team of the world premiere play Billie Jean, about sports icon and equality champion Billie Jean King. Playwright Lauren Gunderson, one of the most-produced playwrights in the US, and director Marc Bruni (Broadway's The Great Gatsby and Beautiful: The Carole… -
PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD RETURNS THIS SUMMER, JULY 14 - 23
Written by Buzz Center StagePorchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the return of its free summer concert series Broadway in your Backyard, July 14 - 23, sponsored by Chicago Free For All Fund. Broadway in your Backyard is directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber, music directed…
-
Review: You Will Get Sick at Steppenwolf Theatre
Written by John AccroccoIf ever given the chance to see Amy Morton on her home stage at Steppenwolf–take it. She stars in the Chicago premiere of Noah Diaz’s ‘You Will Get Sick’ alongside fellow ensemble members Cliff Chamberlain, Namir Smallwood, Jordan Arredondo and…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.