“Played to the hilt this is an engrossing drama of abnormal psychology made real by its excellent cast.”
Off-BwayPlayOriginal
OFF-BROADWAYPLAYORIGINALNOW PLAYING
The Real Ivanov
Lynn F. Angelson Theater · 1h 40m · Opened Aug 25, 2026 · Closes Sep 19, 2026
Critics' Take
Critics find this streamlined adaptation of Chekhov's early work uneven, with most praising Sam Underwood's lead performance but faulting the sparse staging and questioning whether the production successfully balances the play's tonal shifts.
Critic Scorecard
19 reviewsSort:
“Underwood turns in a consummately empathetic, award-worthy portrayal of Ivanov.”
“The production also conveys Chekhov's themes in ways that resonate with what we recognize as unchanging human nature.”
“This gripping adaptation captures the central insight of Chekhov’s first masterpiece: misunderstanding one another is both comic and calamitous.”
“This show is incredibly unique, strangely staged, and utterly unforgettable, even in depicting heavy subject matter.”
Josh at the Movies StaffFull Review
Audience Scorecard
64 audience reviews
C
Disliking It
Showtimes
This Week(Sep 7–13)
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about The Real Ivanov?
Critics find this streamlined adaptation of Chekhov's early work uneven, with most praising Sam Underwood's lead performance but faulting the sparse staging and questioning whether the production successfully balances the play's tonal shifts. (CriticScore 52/100 from 19 reviews.)
Is The Real Ivanov worth seeing?
Probably not. Critics generally don't recommend The Real Ivanov (52/100 from 19 reviews). Save your time and money unless you have a specific reason to go.
What is the CriticScore for The Real Ivanov?
The Real Ivanov has a CriticScore of 52/100 based on 19 professional reviews. Critics generally did not recommend this show.
Is The Real Ivanov still running Off-Broadway?
Yes, The Real Ivanov is currently playing at Lynn F. Angelson Theater Off-Broadway. It is scheduled to close on September 19, 2026.
Where is The Real Ivanov playing Off-Broadway?
The Real Ivanov is playing at Lynn F. Angelson Theater.
How long is The Real Ivanov?
The Real Ivanov has a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.
Cast
Cast information is not yet available for this production.
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 52/100 (19 reviews)
- Status
- Now Playing
- Opened
- Aug 25, 2026
- Closes
- Sep 19, 2026
- Running
- 1 month Off-Broadway
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Intermissions
- 0
- Theater
- Lynn F. Angelson Theater
- Synopsis
- A fast-paced adaptation of Chekhov exploring depression, misunderstanding, and human connection. Nikolai Ivanov, once admired and full of promise, finds himself overwhelmed by depression as those around him attempt to explain his unhappiness. Over the course of a year, conflicting assumptions, strained relationships, and missed connections expose the comic and tragic consequences of people failing to understand one another. This adaptation of Anton Chekhov's Ivanov presents the playwright's first major work in a contemporary, fast-moving form. The production is adapted and directed by Laura Strausfeld, whose version remains faithful to Chekhov's original while emphasizing its pace and wit. Presented by Initiative Productions, The Real Ivanov runs at The Lynn F. Angelson Theater in New Y...
- Data Last Updated
- September 13, 2026
