Photo Flash: UNCLE VANYA At Actors' Net

The Actors' NET of Bucks County is staging a new adaptation of Anton Chekhov's masterwork, Uncle Vanya - performing Jan. 28 - Feb. 13 in the intimate Heritage Center theatre in Morrisville.

"Uncle Vanya is a dramatic comedy -- written in the 1880s and yet as relevant to our times as any other work being written today," explained Actors' NET Artistic Director Cheryl Doyle, who directs the production. "It is a passionate, thought- provoking piece. Our title character - Vanya - has toiled for years along with his niece, Sonya, to keep the family's estate going. Sonya's father arrives on the scene with a sexy young wife and the household is instantly disrupted.

"Simmering resentments spark fiery debates as topics from the trivial to the profound reveal secret desires and frustrations," Ms. Doyle noted. "We're thrilled to be presenting Jenny Covan's straightforward English translation of Chekhov's play, which was additionally adapted by actor George Hartpence, who plays the title character. I'm proud to add, parenthetically, that I had a bit of a hand in the adaptation as well."

Hartpence, of New Hope, is joined on the stage by DeLarme Landes of Doylestown, Cat Miller of Bristol, Alexa Newton of Yardley, Mort Paterson and Susan Blair of Philadelphia, David Bohn of Ewing and Elaine Good of Doylestown.

"We have assembled a magnificent cast to bring this classic tale to life," Ms. Doyle said. "While the weather outside may be cold and perhaps even snowy, our stage inside is brimming with excitement and bittersweet humor. There's a reason Uncle Vanya has been universally hailed as a classic: Its characters are real and its message is timeless."

Carol Thompson of New Hope serves as the show's assistant director. Michael Krahel of Hillsborough, NJ stage manages. Lighting design is by Andrena Wishnie of Morrisville. Costume and lighting design is by Cheryl Doyle.

Running weekends January 28 - February 13, Uncle Vanya performs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Heritage Center is located 635 N. Delmorr
Avenue (Route 32), Morrisville - near the Calhoun Street Bridge. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $10 for children 12 and under.

To reserve, call the nonprofit theatre company at 215-296-3694 or email actorsnet@aol.com. The NET website is www.actorsnetbucks.org. Those wishing to purchase tickets on-line may do so at www.brownpapertickets.com.