As you all know, my greatest devotion is to uncover the pulse of contemporary theater. I had the pleasure of watching Hailey Pfeifer’s “Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow” through its online video recording of the January 2024 production at the Herbert Von King Cultural Center. This play radiated weight and humor right through the screen.
Anchoring the production are the stricken lives of Olga, Masha, and Irina. These three dream incessantly of returning to Moscow, a city they envision as their salvation from a bland provincial existence. Pfeifer’s modern adaptation, expertly directed by Joe Goscinski, effortlessly marries biting comedy with piercing sadness, pushing us to laugh and think in equal measure.
Claudia Conte Buenrostro’s Olga stands out for her genuine, multifaceted portrayal. Even through a screen, her interpretation of Olga’s straightforwardness and vulnerability felt authentic and touching. Buenrostro managed to peel away layers of the character, delivering a performance that was both endearing and profoundly relatable, even making the audience feel sympathy for Olga’s misfortune.
Adding humor to the mix was Gal Yosepov’s Tuzenbach. His impeccable comedic timing and authenticity shone brightly, creating moments that were delightfully humorous and refreshingly
honest. Yosepov’s performance was so seamless that it blurred the line between actor and character, a testament to his skill and dedication.
But the true standout performance came from Hraban Luyat as Kulygin. Even online, Luyat’s depth and sincerity came through vividly. His Kulygin was a bundle of heartfelt earnestness that made you root for him, all the while feeling perturbed by his acceptance of Masha’s detachment. Luyat’s nuanced and compelling portrayal made me wish I had been there in person to witness the full intensity of his performance. His Kulygin has set a new standard for the role in my book.
Overall, “Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow” proved to be a charming, touching, and hilarious production, even when viewed online. The blend of sharp humor and existential themes resonated, making us reflect on our own lives while thoroughly enjoying the characters’ antics and struggles. Despite watching from afar, the production’s emotional and comedic beats struck home powerfully.
This play highlighted the exceptional talents of its cast and crew, making it a gem that I’d highly recommend—whether you catch it live or through a recording. The next time I’m in New York, I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for performances by these gifted actors. This production is one for the books.
Speaking of books, there’s a delicious new translation of War and Peace calling me from across the room. See you next week!
