Theater & Dance"The Cherry Orchard"

The Amherst College Department of Theater and Dance presents Anton Chekhov’s classic play The Cherry Orchard in an intimate production featuring the acting and design work of students and faculty from Amherst and Hampshire Colleges. First produced in 1904 by the Moscow Art Theater, The Cherry Orchard is Chekhov’s last play, a bittersweet comedy about love and loss in pre-revolutionary Russia. Chekhov’s finely drawn characters set against a background of social change influenced generations of playwrights in Russia and the United States.

Professor Ron Bashford, who recently presented North Carolina Stage Company’s Pericles at Amherst, directs. Professor Suzanne Dougan is designing costumes for the show. Scenic design is by Shiyan Chen '16, and lighting design by Resident Lighting Designer Kathy Couch. The leading role of Ranevskya is played by Hampshire College student Ginny Cheeson, as part of her senior portfolio in acting. The cast and stage-management team also includes students from every class year, with special guest appearances by Professor Emeritus Michael Birtwistle and Visiting Resident Artist Peter B. Schmitz.

Tickets are free, but reservations are recommended; call (413) 542-2277. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in Kirby Theater.