Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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Moscow Academic Satire Theatre presented a major premiere – a musical Krechinsky's Wedding Based on the play of the same name by Alexander Sukhovo-Kobylin. Directed by the theater's artistic director, People's Artist of Russia Evgeny Gerasimov, and second director Vladimir Gerasimov.
A Comedy Written in Prison
"How I could write comedies while facing murderous charges and a demand for a bribe of 50,000 rubles, I don't know, but I do know that I wrote 'Krechinsky' in prison," recalled Alexander Sukhovo-Kobylin. The writer was charged with the murder of his common-law wife. While under investigation, he began work on 'Krechinsky's Wedding' and completed it in prison. Sukhovo-Kobylin was acquitted by the Senate, but society continued to consider him a murderer. After his release, the author wrote two more plays: 'The Case' and 'The Death of Tarelkin,' which continued the plot of 'Krechinsky's Wedding.' All three works were included in the trilogy 'Pictures of the Past.'
The comedy's plot originated from a Moscow joke about a card sharper who cheated a moneylender. Landowner Mikhail Krechinsky, to cover his debts, decides to marry his wealthy fiancée, Lidochka. Krechinsky pawns a fake diamond with the moneylender, deceiving both him and Lidochka.
Classics in the rhythm of a musical
Evgeny Gerasimov chooses an unusual genre for staging a classic play: a musical.
"There's no other production like this in Moscow, one that's unified by a single goal and executed flawlessly. It's the music, the ideas, and the meaning. The Satire Theatre has always had many musical productions back then, but it's a fleeting one—we're interested in a diverse audience, including today's. The music was written specifically for this production, the costumes were tailored specifically, the set was created specifically, the movement was orchestrated specifically—and all of this coexists precisely and in sync," he explains.
The musical breathes new life into the well-known work. Songs in a variety of styles reveal the characters' inner worlds, their experiences, feelings, and doubts, and the choreography perfectly matches the moment, whether it's a gentle lyrical waltz or a vibrant dance.
"This isn't a musical performance, it's a musical," the director continues. "It needs to be judged within the genre it's in. The Satire Theatre's performers are excellent singers and dancers, and we've also invited a fantastic ballet company. And we've brought it all together."
Fatherly love
The author, Alexander Sukhovo-Kobylin, appears in the story, played by Evgeny Gerasimov. He appears at the beginning and end, introducing and concluding the action.
Along with the rich musical component, the dramatic foundation is also meticulously crafted. "My character and my storyline, along with the aunt and daughter—we are responsible for the plot, for ensuring the audience understands the story we want to tell. And all the others are accompanying musical numbers; we are responsible for the dramatic component," explains People's Artist of Russia Mikhail Khomyakov, who plays Lidochka's father. It is their relationships, dialogue, and actions that create the satirical and social core of Sukhovo-Kobylin's original play.
According to the actor, his portrayal of Pyotr Muromsky is the epitome of a noble family man. He possesses boundless love for his children, and his primary goal is to ensure his daughter's happiness by marrying her off well. The main drama lies in the cynical exploitation of this genuine paternal concern by the squandered card sharper Mikhail Krechinsky (Honored Artist of Russia Igor Lagutin). The father senses this and does everything in his power to protect his daughter. "This is a character relatable to most of the audience—those who have children," he concludes.
Karina Musa plays the role of Lidochka. Her character is a tender, touching girl whose soul desperately longs for true, bright love. She lives in anticipation of the beautiful fairy tale that marriage promises, and she believes in it with all her heart. Evgeny Gerasimov notes that the production "exposes the choice that determines the fate and tragedy of our young Lidochka, whose sincerity falls victim to the cynical hero."
Musical dramaturgy
In this comedic and spectacular production, the actors manage to create psychologically complex and contradictory characters. One such example is Vladimir Nelkin, played by Anton Buglak. He explains of his character: "On the one hand, he truly loves the main character and tries to be sincerely helpful to her father. But on the other, his desire to spy, eavesdrop, pry, and expose doesn't make any of the play's characters happy. And that's where I encountered a challenge in preparing and performing this role. Nelkin shouldn't alienate the audience with his desire for big revelations. He should be very charming, not come across as a proper bore, and not evoke hostility in the audience."
In "Krechinsky's Wedding," even comical situations are born from quite serious and recognizable life contradictions. "There's humor, an entertaining comedy of manners, social relevance, and a lot of contemporary elements," notes Anton Buglak.
Hope for the best
The play's creators also introduce other unexpected twists to the classic plot. For example, Lidochka's aunt, Anna Atueva (Lyubov Koziy), is much younger than the one the playwright imagined. Lyubov Koziy says of her character: "She's simply an older aunt. She's forty, tops—her prime. She really wants to make her own fortune, to be part of society, high society. Through her niece, Lidochka, Anna wants a good life not only for her but for herself as well. She's very playful, affectionate, and seems to sparkle with feminine energy."
The ending also changes. In the play, destinies are ruined, while in the Satire Theatre production, the characters are given a chance. "As the author of this work," explains Evgeny Gerasimov, "I present the ending differently, because people want love, to come to the theater and experience joy, happiness, to see a light in the window. At that time, it couldn't exist, but as the creator of this work, I, together with the company, provide this light—he, our Krechinsky, can become it."
"Let love win!"
"Krechinsky's Wedding" at the Satire Theater is a lighthearted, celebratory performance that brings the most pleasant emotions and hope for happiness not only to its characters but also to the audience. This story is born of surprising contradictions: created in prison, it brings joy, and, most importantly, even in a world of deception, cynical card games, and selfish motives, love can be found by winning the best match.
"I think this is an entertaining performance, like any musical," emphasizes Lyubov Koziy. "It doesn't have anything heavy in it, it's not overly loaded. I'd like the audience to remember the tunes of the songs. It's like a litmus test: if you watch the performance and then find yourself humming some of our songs, that's right and great. That means everything has worked out."
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