A Chapter Ends, A New One Begins (Imemorabili Theatre)
Dec 20, 2025
3 min read
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The Cherry Orchard
By Anton Chekov
Directed by Isabella Schott
Review by Kate Barry
Entire contents are copyright © 2025 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
A family arrives at their home and beloved orchard. Once wealthy, the matriarch faces a decision to sell the property or fall deeper into financial troubles. Anton Chekov’s play, The Cherry Orchard is considered a classic as it delves into social structures, privilege and class. Both tragic and comedic, this pillar of modern theater marks the premiere production for Imemorabili Theatre.
The Cherry Orchard contains the type of content young and hungry actors want to sink their teeth into. It’s no wonder the original play was directed by Konstantin Stanislavski, the inventor of “the system” or method acting. Characters in this play deal with grief, mourn loudly, yearn for the old country, fall in love and experience basically any emotion that comes to mind. The space is small in the Louisville Nature Center so the performance is intimate, allowing for a shared experience between actor and audience.
The ensemble does well to make full use of the space. Props and set pieces are moved around at the command of Sophia Retone’s Varya and later Ian Fitzgerald’s Lopakhin. As the performance space has coffee pots, a refrigerator and other break room necessities, the choice to use the found items as well as contemporary costumes, brings Chekov’s work into the present. As this production is a premiere for Imemorabili Theatre, I hope future seating can be arranged with better sight lines in the audience so key moments are not missed.
One might think the works of Chekov would be daunting for a new theatre company; luckily that is not the case here. The ensemble seemed comfortable within their characters and handled the meaty dialogue about society and struggle with confidence. As Ranevskaya, Sarah Stewart carries the emotional burden of the death of her son, loss of wealth and a failed marriage with a profound grace. Stewart does well to keep the priorities for this motherly character in a steady balance as she faces the difficult choice to sell her home. As her daughter, Kiersten Farris plays Anya with innocence and concern. Sophia Retone delivers an emotional performance as Varya, Anya’s stern older sister who is easily brought to tears. Lachlan Apple’s Gayev is striking with a scheme, pink suspenders and knack for billiards. Nate Brantley brings the right touch of physicality with cane in hand as the elderly Firs. He does well to reflect fondly on the old days just enough to stir up slight feelings of sadness.
Ian Fitzgerald’s Lopakhin presents a foil for Ranevskaya. With schemes and desires to redeem the peasantry from his bloodline, Fitzgerald brings out a character that gets what they want. Lillian Cobb, Trace Henderson and Allie Rahman bring a lighter side story with a love triangle between a relentless Dunyasha, overtly pining Yepikhodov and oblivious Yasha. Henderson, Rahman and Cobb earn their laughs as they foolishly attempt to earn affections and attentions with guitars and flowery language. Sierra Connor brings a strong supporting role as Trofimov as well. Connor is charming and intellectual, especially in their “Proud Man” speech.
The Cherry Orchard is funny and tragic with a bitter reality coming through in the end. As the beauty of the orchard is torn down, a chapter ends with a new one beginning. And if this play is any indication of what is to come with Imemorabili Theatre, I cannot wait to see what is next.
The Cherry Orchard
Imemorabili Theatre
December 19-20 2025
Louisville Nature Center
3745 Illinois Ave
Louisville, KY 40213-1071
