32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY AUGUST 7-13, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com ON STAGE The New Canon Theatre Co. found a perfect location for the third play of its current season, Life Sucks. The production is fabulously delivered. But it is the semi-circle stage, with the audience lapping around its edges, that shapes the experience. “I wish I was here alone,” a member of the public whispered during intermission, slightly embarrassed to be so moved that tears became a possibility. This communal aspect of living through it together is the message of the play. In our thoughts, fears, pettiness and hopes, we are all the same. If that sounds too heavy, bear in mind that more than anything, Life Sucks is a delightful comedy. Behind the contemporary, provocative title hides Anton Chekhov and his Uncle Vanya, written in the last years of the 19th century and filled with dread of the upcoming era. Life Sucks is scripted by Aaron Posner, who “sort of adapted” two other plays by Chekhov, The Seagull and Three Sisters. Here he preserves the angst, but this time existentialism is filtered through postmodernism. Characters are aware of their own absurdity—and ours. Directed by Noah Lucé, the play features J. Matthew Gordon, convincing as the depressed but well-meaning Uncle Vanya, and Celeste Lagrange as his insecure niece, Sonia. Among other residents of the family’s villa are the attractive, but tired of shallow admiration Ella (Sarah Dunnavant) and the broken-hearted, pixie-like Pickles (absolutely charming Justine Stock). Babs (Patty Gallagher) is perhaps the only character with no major issues. There are the vain Professor (Craig Storm) and cynical Dr. Aster (hilarious Mike McColl) to complete the list. “Most of it is going to be about love and longing,” says Vanya at the beginning of Act 1, when characters literally fill in the audience. “It is also about the audacious, ludicrous and protean nature of the obstreperous and ever-feckless human heart,” adds the Professor. And so it is. But instead of passively following the characters in their pursuit of love, fears of aging and dying, we are confronted with our own demons. We get to realize that they plague us all equally, that they are something as common as bad weather. And that’s the meaning of the play. Life sucks—except when it doesn’t. Life Sucks 7:30pm Thursdays-Saturdays; 2pm Sundays through Aug. 17. The Inn at Moss Landing Point, 8425 Moss Landing Road, Building A, Moss Landing. $17-$58. 275-1441, newcanontheatre.org. MANNY ESPINOZA That’s Life New Canon Theatre Co. proves its worth once again, this time with a modern take on Chekhov. By Agata Popęda From left to right: Babs (Patty Gallagher), Vanya (J. Matthew Gordon), Dr. Aster (Mike McColl) and the Professor (Craig Storm) muse about life. 50% Store Wide Sale August 16 & 17 Jewelry Pop Up 8/9 Shop. Donate. Volunteer. For drop-off information, please call 831.443.8879 Salinas Discovery Shop at Harden Ranch Plaza 1534 North Main Street, Salinas cancer.org/discoveryCA Sponsored by Hillard Hives Honey sold at The Farm and Star Pharmacy Vot PM Landscaping A Family Business Built on Trust SERVING NEIGHBORS LIKE YOU ACROSS MONTEREY COUNTY 2611 GARDEN RD, MONTEREY, CA 93940 Intergenerational Event August 23, 2025 10:00am-2:30pm Fun for the whole family!
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