Ivanov was written by Anton Chekhov in 1887. The Exodus Ensemble has done a great job adapting the play to feel very modern. 

Gregory J. Fields is intense as Ivanov, an alcoholic who is engaged to Anna, played by Emily Neifert. She randomly faints and doctors can’t figure out what is wrong with her. Bel Keily is excellent as Sasha Lebedev, who just turned 17 and is ready to get married, start a family, and launch her Tik Tok business. Kevin Kelly is great as her brother, X, who wants to forgive the loan of $50,000 to Ivanov. His partner, Z, played by John Winscher, wants the loan paid back immediately. The audience suggests to give him one week or they will break his left leg, to start. Patrick Agada is excellent as Eugene Michael Lvov, who is probably a better match for Anna. Mason Azbill is superb as Borkin, who acts as the narrator. Acacia Irene is solid as Martha, the straight-faced assistant. 

Cost of a ticket: 100% donation – tickets are free to reserve

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Exceptional

Rating Scale: Exceptional > Good Value > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Tickets for Ivanov  are sold out, but you can get tickets for Outlaw Express now and Cyrano soon. Tickets for Cyrano are free to reserve and will likely sell out in minutes. They should consider using a lottery system, instead of this frenzied rush to book.  

The Exodus Ensemble met while they were studying theatre at Depaul. Here’s hoping they will one day return to Chicago to perform. 

Quinn Delaney