The Classics Theatre Project presents ‘Sex, Guns, and Vodka’

The untitled first play by Anton Chekhov

Adapted and Directed by Joey Folsom

My thoughts on Sex, Guns, and Vodka or “That 70’s Show” meets You Can’t Take It With You in “From Russia, With Lust.”

If you see the name Chekhov and immediately start to nod off, you will be in for a great surprise when you attend Sex, Guns, and Vodka. Director and adapter Joey Folsom has turned Chekhov’s first play into an epic tragicomedy filled with everything the title implies.

I must admit for the first ten minutes of Sex, Guns, and Vodka, I was totally lost. The show is almost an immersive experience. The audience enters into what appears to be the aftermath of a party. Balloons and empty liquor bottles are strewn about and song hits of the 1970’s are playing loudly. Soon we are introduced to many characters with tough names to remember and speaking in various accents. As the story progresses, everything begins to come clear. I would not attempt to explain the complex plot of the play. There’s love, lust, betrayal, death, and many couplings on this provincial Russian estate. Although the laughs are more than plentiful, Folsom does not shy away from exposing the weaknesses of human nature that Chekhov explores in many of his plays. Folsom shows adeptly that darkness lies just below the surface of all the frivolity.

This cast is filled with superlative, seasoned actors, many of whom have appeared in other Classic Theatre Project productions. The talented ensemble includes Andrew Manning, Jackie L. Kemp, Brian Witkowicz, Rhonda Rose, Janae Hatchett, Devon Rose, Braden Socia, Blake Hametner, and David Britto. I was especially impressed by Madyson Greenwood who is endearing as the wise, almost world weary, Anna. Jon Garrard is hilarious as the young, exuberant, and passionate Sergey and Robert San Juan brings both the tragedy and the comedy to Sex, Guns, and Vodka in a brilliant performance as Mikhail, literally throwing himself into the role.

Although no one is credited for the costumes, someone reached way back in the closet and found a trove of polyester which helps to plant us firmly in the 1970’s. I have no idea what 1970’s Russia was really like, but Sex, Guns, and Vodka is a riotous, involving, and ultimately, serious journey to that place and time. Nostrovia!