Bringing two iconic playwrights together

Anton Chekhov was a Russian Anton Chekhov was a Russian playwright and short story author writing in the late 1800s, known for works like "Uncle Vanya" that deal with topics like change and progress. Neil Simon was an American playwright who wrote mostly during the last half of the 1900s, and is known for comedic plays like "The Odd Couple." So when Simon decided to write a play based on the works of Chekhov, an interesting combination was created in "The Good Doctor."

"It has a lot of elements of Neil Simon's writing, but it's Chekhovian as well," Stephen Cramer explained of the play, saying it "brings two iconic playwrights together."

Cramer is a theater instructor at Western Wyoming Community College and the director of "The Good Doctor," the first production of the semester for Western's Theater Department.

Western had produced plays by Chekhov in the past, but this play allows them to explore a different side of the stories.

"Chekhov's work is always done as somber and heavy," Cramer commented. "But the fact is, he always thought he was writing comedy."

"The Good Doctor" follows a narrator, Chekhov himself, as he struggles with writer's block and questioning if he chose the right occupation. He shares multiple short stories and vignettes with the audience, occasionally stepping into them as a character himself. The stories cover a wide variety of topics, presenting often outrageous scenarios and whacky characters.

The play is also described as a "comedy with music." Cramer explained that there are important musical cues throughout, and some musical numbers sung by the cast. One such song is "Too Late for Happiness," shared in a short scene about an older couple who have lost their partners and are contemplating the hope of connecting with each other.

"It's a comedy, but there are nice poignant moments as well," Cramer said.

This play will be presented in Western's "black box theater" style, putting the audience in seats on the stage that frame the actors on three sides. Cramer especially likes doing productions this way, since it creates a more intimate atmosphere, bringing the audience close to the action and giving the actors a unique challenge.

Cramer hopes people will come to enjoy a fun night of theater and appreciate the hard work of the students.

"The Good Doctor" will be performed on March 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m., with a public matinee on Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for youth and seniors and are available online or by calling the Box Office at (307) 382-1721. Western advises that this production may not be suitable for those under 13 without a parent due to mild profanity and humorous adult innuendos.