Chekhov Comedy Shorts

Watch Chekhov Comedy Shorts

  • 2010
  • 1 Season
  • 6.9  (29)

The Chekhov Comedy Shorts was a production that premiered on Broadway HD in 2010. As the name suggests, it is a collection of short plays by Anton Chekhov, one of the greatest Russian playwrights of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This production features four of Chekhov’s famous one-act plays, namely, The Bear, The Evils of Tobacco, The Proposal, and The Anniversary. All of these plays are well-known for their hilarious and satirical portrayal of Russian society.

The first play in the collection is The Bear, which revolves around a debt-ridden widow named Popova. After her husband’s death, Popova locks herself up in her house in mourning and has sworn never to remarry. However, when her creditor Smirnov arrives at her door demanding payment, the two characters engage in a ridiculous and absurd argument that eventually leads to a surprisingly sweet moment.

The Evils of Tobacco is the second play in the production, which is a humorous monologue performed by a professor. In his speech, the professor delivers a lecture on the harmful effects of smoking. However, the professor seems to be just as addicted to tobacco as anyone else, and eventually, his true habits are revealed in an entertaining way.

The Proposal is the third play in the collection, which is centered around a long-standing feud between two neighbors, Chubukov and Lomov. In an attempt to reconcile the two, Chubukov suggests that his daughter Natalia and Lomov should marry. However, the two characters can’t seem to agree on anything, and their argument quickly turns into a farcical frenzy.

Lastly, The Anniversary is the fourth play in the collection which is centered around the celebration of a couple’s 35th wedding anniversary. The couple, an aged judge and his wife, bicker throughout the evening, insulting each other and their guests. It is a story that provides a unique perspective on marital life, and how it can sometimes spiral into chaos after many years of companionship.

Overall, the Chekhov Comedy Shorts is a collection of plays that perfectly capture the absurdity of Russian society during Anton’s time. With its witty humor and satirical dialogue, it serves as an excellent example of Chekhov's talent as a playwright. The four short plays provide a glimpse into the world of the author, who was both an expert at depicting the flaws of society and highlighting the beauty of human relationships. The production is a must-watch for anyone who loves comedy plays and wants to experience the wit and humor of one of the most celebrated playwrights in history.

Chekhov Comedy Shorts is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between November 14, 2010 and on BroadwayHD

Chekhov Comedy Shorts
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Seasons
The Dangers of Tobacco & The Proposal
3. The Dangers of Tobacco & The Proposal
November 28, 2010
In The Dangers of Tobacco, Nyukhin, a brow-beaten husband, delivers a lecture on the harmful effects of smoking tobacco. Then, in The Proposal, nervous hypochondriac Lomov visits his neighbor Natasha to ask for her hand in marriage.
The Bear
2. The Bear
November 21, 2010
Rude and boorish landowner Smirnoff calls on the recently widowed Popova to collect a debt owed to him by her late husband. When the grieving widow is unable to pay him, Smirnoff simply refuses to leave - and in the passionate, fiery altercation which follows, they agree to fight a duel to the death with a pair of pistols.
Reluctant Tragic Hero
1. Reluctant Tragic Hero
November 14, 2010
Tolkachov, a frustrated and exasperated family man, exhausted from running countless errands for friends and family, visits his good friend Murashkin for some much needed sympathy. But his rant leaves him with more problems than he started with.
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Where to Watch Chekhov Comedy Shorts
Chekhov Comedy Shorts is available for streaming on the BroadwayHD website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Chekhov Comedy Shorts on demand at Amazon Prime.
  • Premiere Date
    November 14, 2010
  • IMDB Rating
    6.9  (29)