‘Three Sisters’ performance kicks off at Norton Theatre

The opening night of “The Three Sisters,” Wednesday at Norton Theatre was a small start for the show. The UNC campus hosted the event, as students, parents and faculty came face to face with the problems and complicated lives of the sisters. And in all the seriousness and gloom of the play, small glimmers of comedic relief shone through, encouraging the audience throughout the performance.

“The Three Sisters” was written by Anton Chekov and adapted by David Mamet. The show focuses on the lives of the Prozoroff family, keying in on the turn their lives take after their father’s death a year ago. The sisters, Olga, Masha and Irina, struggle with love, the lack thereof and a power struggle within their home.

The play opens on Irina’s 20th birthday and spans four years. It is set in Russia in a small town occupied by the army.

Kelly Feeser, a junior human services major, and Ann Gates, a junior theater studies major, both said they came to the show to fulfill a class assignment and to support the theater program.

“I love it,” Gates said. “I am honestly blown away by everything. And not working on this show and seeing it, well, it’s as good as I could ever imagine.”

Gates also said she sometimes helps out with shows and attends theater programs.
Feeser said the play was very interesting, especially because of the lopsided love balance between many of the characters and the sisters.

Corey Thompson, a sophomore musical theater major, said he thought the show was brilliant. Thompson also said he assumed the show might be boring but commented that Ken Womble, the director, did a great job.

Womble, an assistant professor of theater arts, wrote in the program that during the rehearsals, the cast prepared for the show through table readings, research presentations, a guest speaker and film viewing.

The Three Sisters” shows at 7:30 p.m. tonight until Saturday and will show again at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23, 25 and 27 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 28. Tickets are available at the door or by calling the box office at 970- 351-4849.