Coming up in Philly theater: Chekhov’s Sisters times 3, literary adaptations, and covered bridges

I’m not alone in viewing Anton Chekhov as one of history’s greatest playwrights. Although his output for the stage was relatively slim — only five of his major works are produced with any regularity — directors, adaptors, and performers continue to find new ways to bring his words to life. February in Philadelphia offers a unique opportunity to see one of his classic tales considered three different ways.

Three's Company, Too

EgoPo Classic Theater continues its season of South African drama with Reza de Wet’s Three Sisters Two (January 30 to February 17), which transports the trials and travails of Olga, Masha, and Irina to the eve of the Russian Revolution. De Wet — who wrote in Afrikaans and was considered one of her country’s major writers when she died in 2012 — saw parallels in Chekhov to South Africa’s history of colonialism, apartheid, and social and economic inequity. Director Brenna Geffers will explore those themes with a cast that includes Amanda Schoonover, Lee Minora, Maria Konstantinidis, Andrew J. Carroll, Ross Beschler, Colleen Corcoran, Jahzeer Terrell, and Kishia Nixon.

Those looking to see Three Sisters in its classic form can head out to Hedgerow Theatre in Rose Valley, where it will be presented February 6 through March 3 as part of Hedgerow's Core Company Project. That project allows four actors — Adam Altman, Jessica DalCanton, Jennifer Summerfield, and artistic director Jared Reed — to appear in nine plays across three seasons. DalCanton and Summerfield play two of title sisters, along with Sophia Barrett; Altman appears as brother Andrei, and Reed is Vershinin, the “Lovesick Major.” Harriet Power directs.

In West Philly, the ever-inventive Curio Theatre Company stages the U.S. premiere of Three Sisters, by RashDash, After Chekhov, a caustic adaptation from the U.K.-based theater collective RashDash (February 9 through March 2). Curio describes the play as “a wild, irreverent spin on the well-trod classic that entertains with absurdist comedy and bombastic musical numbers while it asks us vital questions.” Sign me up. Colleen Hughes, Rachel Gluck, and Tessa Kuhn — all so good in last season's Crimes of the Heart — return as the sisters.

Other plays to Chekhov your list

If Three Sisters isn’t your speed, don’t worry — there’s a world beyond Chekhov to be found in February. Philadelphia Theatre Company continues its revival seasons with Jason Robert Brown’s The Bridges of Madison County, onstage at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre in Center City, February 8 through March 3. Brown captured a Tony Award for his lush score, which recounts the brief affair between an Italian-born Iowa housewife and a dashing photographer in the 1960s. Sarah Gliko and Gregg Goodbrod play the lovers.

Delaware Theatre Company (DTC) readies a new adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan (February 6 through 24), prepared by rising playwright Chelsea Marcantel. Shaw’s tale of conviction and bravery in the face of grave consequences has captured theatrical attention for nearly a century, and it will be interesting to see what kind of contemporary perspective Marcantel can bring to the drama. DTC veteran Claire O’Malley stars in the title role.

In Princeton, New Jersey, McCarter Theatre Center imports Elevator Repair Service’s acclaimed Gatz for three performances only, February 15 through 17. This adaptation of The Great Gatsby may sound daunting on paper — it lasts nearly eight hours, beginning at 2pm and stretching into the night. But adventurous theatergoers are likely to be rewarded. Ben Brantley, chief theater critic of The New York Times, called Gatz “the most remarkable achievement in theater not only of this year but of this decade.” I know I’ll be there.