The list of great actors who have played Uncle Vanya is long: Laurence Olivier, Ian McKellen, Peter O’Toole, Simon Russell Beale, Derek Jacobi. Earlier this year, Steve Carell brought his unique brand of compassion and humor to Lincoln Center Theater’s production of Anton Chekhov’s classic meditation on money, class, work, the environment, and masculinity. Still, it’s safe to say that none of these actors were trying to turn this into a one-man show.
Last year in London, Andrew Scott played all the characters in Uncle Vanya and, by all accounts, did a great job. This simple, modern structure does not confuse Scott as he deftly moves between eight characters: the professor and his young wife returning to their country home, his brother-in-law (Vanya) financing the professor’s adventures, managing the estate, and everyone in between. The performance, described as artistic, was the basis for an exotic show that also included a one-man sex scene. Scott (one of the co-producers) was unexpectedly nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actor, and the show also won for Best Reproduction.
Although Scott is widely considered the “hot priest” on Fleabag (now and probably always will be), he has really moved away from the role that made millions of viewers question his forced priesthood. Last year, he starred in Andrew Haigh’s “We Are Strangers” and earlier this year he starred in Netflix’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley” adaptation, winning 13 Emmy Award nominations for his devastating portrayal of the central character Chameleon.
Now, Scott, along with co-producer and adapter Simon Stephens, designer Rosanna Wise and director Sam Yates, are bringing Vanya to New York for its American premiere. Previews begin March 11 at Off-Broadway’s Lucille Lortel Theatre, with opening night on March 18. (Vanya arrives a full century after the vodka-soaked tragicomedy debuted on Broadway in 1923.)
“The connection between the amazing Andrew Scott and the London audience is like nothing I have ever seen in any theatre before,” said Yates. “I am so honoured and excited to share this production and Andrew’s brilliant work with New York audiences.”
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