Overview
- The Real Ivanov is a 100‑minute, world‑premiere Off‑Broadway adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s 1887 play written and directed by Chekhov scholar Laura Strausfeld and playing at the Lynn F. Angelson Theater through September 19.
- Sam Underwood stars as Nikolai Ivanov and is credited as an executive producer while the company includes Sam Adegoke, Ivory Aquino, Jordan Lage, Amelia Mason and others.
- Design choices use a tightly constrained playing area with minimal props and a red runner focal point, a concept that reviewers say highlights the character’s entrapment but can feel intellectually neat rather than emotionally satisfying.
- Promotional coverage has emphasized the slimmed script and cast photos, but two prominent opening reviews fault Strausfeld’s heavy cuts for removing the play’s emotional core and critique Underwood’s guarded lead performance.
- The production’s creative team includes set and lighting designer Jiyoun Chang, costume designer Ella/Elia Matza and sound designer Brandon Bulls, and further reviews and audience response over the run will determine whether early criticisms hold or soften.