"The Vaudevilles" takes a look at the softer side of Anton Chekhov in a funny and raw way that lets actors express their emotions within the writing.
It runs through Saturday at Aux Dog Theatre at 3011 Monte Vista N.E.
Vaudeville means "song of the streets," and it was started in Paris in the 18th century.
The play consists of eight shows cut in half, so four run on alternating nights and are typically slapstick and variety acts.
The actors display lots of talent, ranging from monologues to funny interactions with other actors.
Director Blake Catherwood said it was a very opportunistic event that allowed him to take on these lighter pieces.
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"I didn't actually know that I was going to do these plays until a month and a half ago," Catherwood said. "I like that these plays are not as polished as they would be otherwise if we were doing them all together every night, but, instead, you kind of get the feeling that you are watching an actor rehearse."
Actors are in charge of rehearsing when they can, and the stage is sparsely set.
Catherwood said the focus is not on the overall play but the ability for those actors to act intimately.
Scott Sharot, an actor in "The Vaudevilles," was already a big admirer of Chekhov. "Chekhov is one of the most brilliant writers, and people who love theater love, love Chekhov," Sharot said.
Sharot said "The Vaudevilles" is not for rookie actors.
"I absolutely love it," Sharot said. "Being able to work in that theater is great. It's just not easy for the beginning actor."
Sharot said the actors were worked hard to prepare for the show.
"Lots of our own time is put into memorizing scripts and working with the other actors to get these stories down," Sharot said.
Andie Rigler, who attended some of the plays, said it was a great experience.
"I have seen a lot of Chekhov, but these plays offer a different perspective," Rigler said. "Usually Chekhov is long and dark, but these are shorter and a lot lighter."
The plays cost about the same as a movie, and Rigler said she would much prefer going to see the great acting that Aux Dog offers.
"These plays are very entertaining - a great way to spend a Friday night, and cheap," Rigler said. "It's a fun experience for less money. What else could you ask for?"
