Woodlawn Stages Masterful 'Uncle Vanya' Production: Cappies Review

By Abby Berg, Meridian High School

"Truth, whatever it may be, is never as frightening as uncertainty." This quote, from Annie Baker's adaptation of "Uncle Vanya," encapsulates the core of H-B Woodlawn's production.

The play follows Vanya and his niece Sonya, who have spent years managing a rural estate, only to have their lives disrupted when Sonya's father and his young wife, Yelena, arrive with plans to sell the property. Throughout the performance, characters struggled between facing harsh truths and lingering in the uncertainty of their futures, their relationships, and their desires. Annie Baker's 2012 adaptation of "Uncle Vanya" premiered at Soho Repertory Theatre on June 7, directed by Sam Gold.

One of the most striking performances came from Greta Brown as Vanya. Brown's portrayal was both bluntly honest and deeply fearful of a life wasted. Every movement was grounded and intentional, making Brown's performance captivating from start to finish. Brown's stolen glances toward Yelena (Kate Gorman) revealed Vanya's longing for something unattainable. The use of irony and existential dread in Brown's performance made the audience feel the weight of truth, how painful yet inevitable it is.

Kate Gorman as Yelena brought a dynamic presence to the stage, seamlessly shifting between relationships with different characters. Gorman's playful energy with Sonya (Laurel LaGarde) contrasted sharply with volatile interactions with the Professor (Owen Boucher). Gorman moved across the stage with poise and grace, adding an air of elegance even in moments of tension. Gorman's performance reinforced the theme of uncertainty, how desire and regret can coexist within a single person.

Through slow, deliberate movements reflecting Marina's age, Meredith Lawler remained purposeful even in the background. Whether embroidering or folding laundry, Lawler never broke character, making Marina a grounding force for those around her, especially Sonya (LaGarde). What made Lawler's performance especially compelling was the secret smile Lawler carried throughout the play, as if Lawler's character knew something the others didn't. Lawler's presence served as a contrast to the uncertainty plaguing the other characters.

The casting, staging, and blocking by students Charlotte Keshap and Alice Aramendia were incredibly effective. Their direction ensured that every movement and interaction felt intentional, creating a natural flow that pulled the audience into the world of the play. The intimate environment made us feel like we weren't just watching the characters' lives unfold, we were part of their world. Keshap and Aramendia masterfully balanced the humor and melancholy of the play, allowing the comedy to shine without undermining the deeper emotional weight of the story.

The set design (Arvand Fiske, Kevin Nguyen, Will Eggert, Avery Keith, Sophie Charlton) utilized platforms to create levels among the characters, adding depth to the staging and reinforcing the dynamics between them. Set changes were seamlessly integrated into the show, with Telegin (Jayden Brown) playing guitar throughout, marking the passage of time in an immersive way.

The props team (Josephine Horwitz, Nick Schwarz, Ben Biggs) crafted intricate details that enhanced the realism of the production. From the elegance of the painted teacups to the tangible interactions between characters such as Maria (Madeline Krieger) knitting or Sonya (LaGarde) and Astrov (Daniel Gates) eating real cheese, every object felt purposeful.

H-B Woodlawn's production of "Uncle Vanya" was a masterful exploration of truth and uncertainty. Through standout performances, intentional staging, and immersive design, the production reminded us that while truth may be painful, uncertainty is even more terrifying.