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VANYA ON 42ND STREET

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VANYA ON 42ND STREET is an contemporary adaptation by David Mamet of Anton Chekov's drama UNCLE VANYA. This play is well-written and the movie well-directed, but this fails to make up for the overwhelming hopelessness that the characters demonstrate.

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VANYA ON 42ND STREET is a contemporary adaptation by David Mamet of Anton Chekov’s drama UNCLE VANYA. The movie begins as the actors, the director and a small audience meet in Times Square before proceeding to the New Amsterdam Theater, a dark, dilapidated wreck which sets the mood for the play. The setting is a country estate in late 19th Century Russia, managed for many years by Vanya, a 47-year-old bachelor, and his spinster niece Sonya. Professor Serybryakov, Sonya’s father and a celebrated though fraudulent authority on art, is the owner of the estate and has recently retired there with his young wife. The resulting disruption of the household routine causes a boiling-over of emotions which have been simmering over the years.

Wallace Shawn is superb as the whining and impotent Vanya. Brooke Smith also gives a wonderful performance as Sonya. The actors wear modern clothing, and there is no scenery and few props, giving the play an informal atmosphere. This contemporary setting indicates that the emotional situations and ideas expressed are relevant to modern life. The characters, however, complain constantly, resigned to self-inflicted suffering and seeming to prefer their empty, joyless lives. This play is well-written and the movie well-directed, but this fails to make up for the overwhelming hopelessness that the characters demonstrate.

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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.