Theatre Talk 2: 'Life Sucks' has a lovely set

Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal

Special to The Village News

The first time I sat through Anton Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" was at The Old Globe five years ago, Feb. 18, 2018. I rated it 7 out of 10.

Fast forward to Feb. 13, 2022. "Life Sucks" is the repenned version by playwright Aaron Posner, albeit it still feels like a clichéd version of the original play by the "world's greatest playwright," Anton Chekhov, written about 1890.

Strong words, I know.

Yet, said, there is little to recommend about this play. Although credit is due to set designer Yi-Chen Lee; the set is lovely, since it evokes the sense of a Russian forest (the setting for the original play); the sound (Steven Leffue) is clear; the lighting (Minjoo Kim) superlative, and the theatre is comfy when, and thanks to the House, complimentary parking is provided, which is truly appreciated.

After rereading my review from The Globe in 2018, I am reminded that "nostalgia isn't what it used to be." However, "Life Sucks," now playing at The Cygnet, does.

To me it is a continuous, unending stream of prattle. Lots and lots of endless prattle by characters bombing on and off the stage carrying their own scenery.

I did, however, overhear – in the line to the powder room – one guest blather on to her friend (trying to sound sophisticated, like she gets this play) about how she was enjoying this slice-of-life production. Like her friend, we were both silent.

The empty seats in the second half tell the story.

Posner needs to come up with a new idea and not rely on the old masters to provide story ideas and director Rob Lutfy might reconsider his choices. After all, life doesn't suck – its this play that does.

Playing thru Feb. 27. Out of respect for the Equity performers I will not list the cast.

Although, should you enjoy theatre dry-as-dust, by all means lots of tickets will be available at 619-337-1525 or www/cignettheatre.org. Rated 4 out of 10.

Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal can be reached at [email protected].