A passionate comedy of love and loss

BATH — Chocolate Church Art Center will present “The Cherry Orchard,” the last play by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, as the spring production during the weekends of April 25, 26, 27 and May 2, 3, 4.

Since the initial production in 1904, directors have explored the dual nature of the play. Howard Waxman directs this story of an aristocratic Russian woman as she returns to her family estate (which includes a large and well-known cherry orchard) just before it’s auctioned to pay the mortgage. Waxman stages this production in the intimate venue of the Curtis Room at 804 Washington Street.

In “The Cherry Orchard” the characters struggle with the burdens of their past — both their mistakes as individuals and the punishing hardship of serfdom that held them down — and the formidable challenge of pursuing happiness and self-worth as they move forward into new lives.

Director Waxman considers “The Cherry Orchard” Chekhov’s greatest play. His direction underscores the Chekhovian style combining comedy and tragedy. Audiences will enjoy a theatrical experience that follows Chekhov’s unique ability to switch from heartfelt agony to ridiculous slapstick, an approach that paved the way for later 20th-century playwrights from Samuel Beckett to Harold Pinter.

Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets for $12 for adults, $10 seniors/students are available at www.chocolatechurcharts.org or by calling 207-442-8455.