Playreaders Theater
Talking Things Over With Chekhov
Wed–Thu, Oct 21–22, 7pm
St. Paul’s Church
Cardo 6
20 pesos

Off-the-wall inspiration
By Lola Smith

Anton Chakhov Two performances of Talking Things Over With Chekhov, a play by John Ford Noonan, will be presented by Playreaders at St. Paul’s Church.

Noonan’s prolific output has garnered him an enviable collection of awards, including a Drama Desk Award and an Obie. At one point, he had four plays running simultaneously in Los Angeles, three of which won Drama-Logue Awards. He has also won an Emmy and, as an actor, has twice been included in “favorite film performances of the year” lists. About Talking Things Over With Chekhov, one critic wrote, “Noonan’s brand of looniness is unique,” while another called the play “a joyride.”

Jeremy is an aspiring, if off-the-wall, playwright who draws inspiration from extended conversations with Chekhov. His first play is about to be produced, and his ex-girlfriend is determined to star in it. The agony of releasing his play to the sharks of the theater world drives Jeremy to induce someone to kill him during rehearsals. He survives only to… well, come see the play to find out what happens.

Two of San Miguel’s most popular actors will star in the roles of Jeremy and his ex-girlfriend Marlene. The somewhat autobiographical character Jeremy, which was originally played by John Ford Noonan himself, will be played by Michael Gottlieb, and Michael’s wife, Jill Gottlieb, will play Jeremy’s ex-girlfriend Marlene. Lola Smith directs.

Performances start at 7:30pm, or earlier if the house is full. The doors open at 7pm. A 20-peso donation is requested.