One of the best plays by the outstanding Russian playwright Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky, “Mad Money,” is currently being successfully staged in several theaters in the capital. What is this play about, what are the similarities and differences between the performances and how the audience responds to each of them - all this and much more is further in this article.
Ostrovsky's play
The comedy "Mad Money" was completed by Alexander Ostrovsky by the end of autumn 1869, the first publication took place at the beginning of 1870, on the pages of the magazine "Domestic Notes". In the same year, the first performances of the play took place in two theaters at once. In the first editions, the play was called “Not All That Glitters is Gold” and “A Scythe on a Stone.”
The plot of the play "Mad Money" tells the story of the fate and life of completely different characters, who are united by one thing - the thirst for money, wealth and an idle life. Three types of imaginary rich people - the forty-year-old nobleman Telyatev, who lives in grand style, but only in debt, the sixty-year-old noble master Kuchumov, cruel and deceitful, whose wealth lies only in connections from his mother and wife, and, finally, the main character - the provincial Savva Vasilkov, who, for fun, is introduced by friends as a millionaire. No less greedy heroines are led to this bait - a girl of marriageable age Lidiya Yuryevna, dreaming of a beautiful, comfortable life, and her mother Nadezhda Antonovna, hiding her dream of profiting from her daughter’s successful marriage behind the angelic face of good intentions. In general, all the main characters pretend to be naive and kind, but they themselves only dream of money. Savva Vasilkov falls in love with Lydia, and she reciprocates his feelings only after learning about his millions, which in fact do not exist. As a result, they turn out to be ideal people for each other, since for both of them the only value in life is money - marriage for them is nothing more than a transaction. That is why Lydia calmly goes to Vasilkov’s housekeeper, hoping to subsequently rise to the status - no matter how comical it may sound - the status of a wife. It is interesting that Yegor Glumov, already known to readers (and viewers) from the comedy “Enough Simplicity for Every Wise Man,” appears again among the heroes.
Ostrovsky's "Mad Money" can be called a comedic version of his "Dowry" - all the same social problems will be raised in the next play by Alexander Nikolaevich, only in a dramatic vein. The highlight of the play is the absence of positive characters in it - all the main characters, according to the author's idea, should not evoke sympathy from the reader or viewer.
First productions
In April 1870, just a few months after the first publication of the play, "Mad Money" was staged at the Alexandrinsky Theater in St. Petersburg. Unfortunately, the play was received rather coldly, as the newspapers later wrote: “The St. Petersburg public does not want stories about simple life.” The Moscow premiere took place in October 1870, on the stage of the Maly Theater. Here Ostrovsky’s new play was well received; the performances were sold out. It is not surprising that the play is successfully staged in this theater to this day - albeit by different directors.
"Mad Money" at the Maly Theater
The play was successfully performed at the Maly Theater for many years since its first premiere in 1870, but was withdrawn from the show at the turn of the century - the civil war and revolution required completely different productions. However, by the 1930s, classical performances began to return to the stage, especially Ostrovsky, who so coincided in his ideas with the ideas of the new, Soviet state. The first Soviet production of the play took place in 1933, on the stage of the Maly Theater. The content of the 1933 play “Mad Money” was as close as possible to the original source - the stage director Ivan Stepanovich Platonov did not tolerate ad-libs in relation to the classics, and therefore absolutely all of Alexander Ostrovsky’s stage directions were observed. All the then geniuses of the theater stage were involved in the production. The role of Nadezhda Cheboksarova was performed by the greatest Russian actress Alexandra Aleksandrovna Yablochkina. Her work was highly appreciated by both viewers and critics, as well as her stage partners, although the actress herself said that she initially did not understand Cheboksarova and played her incorrectly in the first productions:
Before, Cheboksarova seemed to me to be a positive type, I saw only her great love for her daughter, excusing all her actions, justifying her actions. Later I realized my mistake and began to play Cheboksarova as a negative image. I used to believe that Cheboksarova was not lying internally when she said: “You speak terrible words, Lydia: there is nothing worse than poverty. Yes, Lydia: a vice! - and therefore she put into these words the genuine emotion of a noble soul. But this is not true: Cheboksarova is hiding behind a screen of dignity and honesty. She is entirely at the mercy of calculation; her “dignity” is only sufficient for the desire to “maintain decency.” In fact, this is a cynical, selfish creature, her love for Lydia is a desire to sell her at a higher price, to get a rich man for her by any means
The role of her daughter Lydia was played by the no less brilliant actress Elena Nikolaevna Gogoleva, who was 33 years old at the time of the premiere. Thanks to her excellent appearance, she continued to play 24-year-old Lydia until she was 48 years old. The older and younger Cheboksarovs, performed by Yablochkina and Gogoleva, are pictured below.
Other famous actors in the 1933 play “Mad Money” include Nikolai Kapitonovich Yakovlev as Vasilkov, Konstantin Aleksandrovich Zubov as Telyatev and Pyotr Ivanovich Starkovsky as Kuchumov.
The next production of the play on the stage of the Maly Theater was not only carried out in 1978, but also filmed as a television play. The directors of this production were Nikolai Alexandrovich, Vladimir Beilis and Leonid Varpakhovsky. This production also involved many stars of the USSR screen and stage, but they were already better known to modern viewers. Thus, the role of Lydia went to the star of her time, Elina Bystritskaya - despite the fact that at the time of the premiere she was exactly 40 years old. The role of her future chosen one Vasilkov went to Yuri Kayurov, Nadezhda Antonovna was played by Irina Likso, and Telyateva was played by Nikita Podgorny.
Well, the first premiere of the play “Mad Money” at the Maly Theater, which is successfully staged to this day, took place 20 years later - in 1998. The duration of this performance is 2 hours 45 minutes and it consists of two acts with an intermission. Age limit 12+. Ticket prices for the performance range from 200 to 3000 rubles. The production takes place on another stage of the Maly Theater, which is located at Bolshaya Ordynka, 69.
The director of the fourth - for the Maly Theater - version of the play was Vitaly Nikolaevich Ivanov, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, and the main director was Vitaly Anatolyevich Konyaev, People's Artist of the Russian Federation. Cast:
- Vasilkov - Viktor Nizovoy/Dmitry Koznov.
- Lydia - Polina Dolinskaya/Daria Novoseltseva.
- Cheboksarova - Aleftina Evdokimova/Lyudmila Polyakova.
- Telyatev - Valery Babyatinsky.
- Kuchumov - Vladimir Dubrovsky.
- Glumov - Mikhail Fomenko.
The Maly Theater even has a trailer for this performance with one of the actors. You can watch it in the video below.
At the Mayakovsky Theater
On the stage of the Moscow Mayakovsky Theater, the play “Mad Money” is still very young. Its premiere took place in April 2017. The role of Nadezhda Antonova in this production was performed by the famous Soviet and Russian actress Svetlana Nemolyaeva. She was born on April 18, 1937, and the authors timed the premiere of the play to coincide with her 80th birthday. But this is not the only reason why the play “Mad Money” is special for Nemolyaeva - the fact is that in this production, in the role of Lydia, her own granddaughter Polina Lazareva appears on stage with the great actress. What adds zest to this information is the fact that the director of the production, Anatoly Shulyev, did not know about the relationship of the actresses when he assigned the roles. He simply decided that Svetlana Nemolyaeva and Polina Lazareva looked alike, like family, and he hit the nail on the head.
Other actors in the play “Mad Money” by Anatoly Shuliev were:
- Vasilkov - Alexey Dyakin.
- Veal - Vitaly Lensky.
- Kuchumov - Alexander Andrienko.
- Glumov - Konstantin Konstantinov.
The director himself designated the genre of the production as a “comedy of obsession” - after all, all the characters can really be called possessed, which is why they find themselves in situations that are funny for the viewer. The performance runs 3 hours 20 minutes, with one intermission and category 12+. A ticket will cost the viewer from 500 to 2700 rubles. Those interested are invited to the main stage on Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street 19/13. Before deciding whether to go to this performance or not, you can watch the trailer below.
At the Satire Theater
In 1981, the famous actor Andrei Mironov staged this play on the stage of the Satire Theater, and he himself played the main role of Savva Vasilkov in it. The play was performed for a long time at the Satire Theater even after the death of the actor, but, for unknown reasons, it was filmed at the beginning of the 2000s. However, in 2013, the director, actor and good friend of Mironov, Andrei Zenin, restored the performance, completely repeating all the ideas of Andrei Alexandrovich and timing the premiere to coincide with his birthday. In the reviews of the play "Mad Money", staged at the Satire Theater, those critics who knew and loved the previous production wrote back. They agreed that Zenin managed to preserve the tragicomedic note that Mironov himself put into Ostrovsky’s play, and that all lovers of the “old” Satire theater should pay attention to this production.
Following the example of Andrei Mironov, Andrei Zenin himself played the role of Savva Vasilkov. Other actors and roles in this production:
- Lydia - Anastasia Mikishova.
- Cheboksarova Sr. - Valentina Sharykina.
- Telyatev - Alexander Chevychelov.
- Kuchumov - Sergei Churbakov.
- Glumov - Ivan Mikhailovsky.
The duration of the play "Mad Money" at the Satire Theater is 2 hours 30 minutes, there is an intermission. Spectators are invited to the stage "Attic of Satire", address of the theater Triumfalnaya Square, 2. Tickets will cost from 450 to 1500 rubles.
At the Taganka Theater
What is unusual about the Taganka Theater performance is that the entire plot is transferred from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th. The director of "Mad Money" in the Art Nouveau style was the already successful actress and aspiring director Maria Fedosova. The duration of this performance is 3 hours 20 minutes, but the marking is higher than the previous ones - 16+.
Roles performed by:
- Savva Vasilkov - Vladimir Zavictorin.
- Lydia - Irina Usok.
- Cheboksarova - Anna Mokhova/Polina Fokina.
- Kuchumov - Mikhail Basov.
- Telyatev - Danila Perov/Dmitry Belotserkovsky.
- Glumov - Roman Serkov.
Tickets for this performance cost from 400 to 1000 rubles. The theater address is Zemlyanoy Val Street 76/21.
At the Pushkin Theater
A rather interesting version of the play was shown at the Moscow Pushkin Theater from May 2010 to June 2013. It is interesting both from the point of view of the director's ideas and from the point of view of the unusual cast - Vera Alentova and Ivan Urgant appeared on the list of characters. Director Roman Kozak approached the creation of the play quite eccentrically, symbolically, and even with a touch of absurdity. He managed to make a very topical, modern and incredibly witty show out of Ostrovsky's comedy. The performance had a three-hour duration, but, judging by the reviews, it was watched in one breath.
Actors and roles of the play "Mad Money" at the Pushkin Theater:
- Vasilkov - Ivan Urgant.
- Lydia - Alexandra Ursulyak.
- Cheboksarova - Vera Alentova.
- Telyatev - Viktor Verzhbitsky.
- Kuchumov - Vladimir Nikolenko.
- Glumov - Boris Dyachenko.
This performance was closed more than five years ago, and it is still unknown whether it will return to the stage, and if so, will it be in the same composition and form? But fortunately, the full version of the play is not difficult to find and watch online. And below you can see a small trailer that was timed to coincide with the premiere.
At the St. Petersburg Comedy Theater
The premiere of the youngest version of the play took place in February 2018 - this version of “Mad Money” was staged on the stage of the St. Petersburg Comedy Theater named after Akimov. This version turned out to be not only very close to the original source, even somewhat refined, but also incredibly beautiful - a fresh look at the costumes and appearance of the characters, continuously falling snow, a combination of blue and black in minimalist scenery - all this attracts even those who have seen all the existing production of “Mad Money” and I’m not ready to be surprised. The director of the performance was Tatyana Kazakova, who is the artistic director of this entire theater.
Perhaps the female perspective on the play had an effect, but in this version it will not be possible not to sympathize with Savva and Lydia at all: inside Vasilkov the viewer will feel a tragic note of self-denial, and in Lydia - glimpses of a tender, albeit deeply hidden soul. Between the heroes, in addition to a practical union, one can also feel nascent love. Thus, Kazakova decided to make the comedy into a melodrama in some way. Beginning actors appeared in the roles, performing on a par with honored and even national artists:
- Vasilkov - Alexander Matveev.
- Lydia - Daria Lyatetskaya.
- The eldest Cheboksarova is Irina Mazurkevich/Natalia Shostak.
- Telyatev - Nikolai Smirnov.
- Kuchumov - Sergey Russkin.
- Glumov - Dmitry Lebedev.
The performance lasts exactly three hours, tickets cost from 500 to 2000 rubles. Theater address: St. Petersburg, Nevsky Prospekt 56.
Screen adaptation
In 1981, the first and only to date feature film adaptation of the play “Mad Money” was released - if you do not take into account the 1978 version, since it is, after all, a performance, albeit shown on TV. The film was directed by Evgeny Matveev, an actor at the Maly Theater, who did not have the chance to take part in a theatrical production of the play, although he always dreamed of it. The film somewhat distorts the main message of the original source, making Vasilkov and Lydia not bad by nature, but as if victims of the bad influence of others. Thus, the younger Cheboksarova’s agreement to become a housekeeper in the house of Savva Genadyich’s mother (as in the film) looks here not as an abnormal quirk for a healthy family, but as a path to correction, without which neither Vasilkov nor Lydia can do. The film is interesting due to the participation of such actors as Elena Solovey and Yuri Yakovlev. According to numerous reviews on the Internet, many moviegoers and fans of Ostrovsky’s work agree that the film is worth watching just for the sake of the brilliant performances of these outstanding artists. Roles performed by:
- Vasilkov - Alexander Mikhailov.
- Lydia - Lyudmila Nilskaya.
- Cheboksarova - Elena Solovey.
- Telyatev - Yuri Yakovlev.
- Kuchumov - Pavel Kadochnikov.
- Glumov - Vadim Spiridonov.
Similarities and differences in performances
Despite the fact that all the performances of “Mad Money” have a common plot, there is a huge difference between them. Each director still adds his personal feelings and visions of the characters to Ostrovsky’s original source, just as each actor presents his character differently. For example, in a modern production of the Maly Theater, some share of the audience's sympathy will still go to Lydia and Vasilkov. The director did not make them completely hopeless, making the younger Cheboksarova something of a Dostoevsky heroine - cold, calculating, but still not completely lost. And Vasilkov doesn’t seem to be such a provincial fool at all; there seem to be sincere feelings in him. In this regard, the production is very similar to the version of the St. Petersburg Akimov Theater - there, too, the director decided not to make such heartless monsters out of the main characters, but at the same time respected all the main details of the original text, seasoning them with a bit of sincere and beautiful romance.
The situation is completely different with the play “Mad Money” at the Mayakovsky Theater - here the directors created not just a comedy, but an eccentric one, and the viewer can’t even dream of positive qualities or justification for the actions of the characters. Maybe this production is not as accurate as in the Maly Theater, but the main message of Ostrovsky was preserved, who did not intend to justify his heroes, and especially their heartless thirst for profit. The director of the Pushkin Theater version approached the play from approximately the same position - he brought the humorous component of the play to the grotesque, exaggerating the greed and vices of all the characters.
In the Taganka Theater, as mentioned above, the most radical difference is the change in time in which the characters exist. Otherwise, the director adhered to the original source, according to some viewers - more than everyone else.
The performance, which is being staged at the Satire Theater, was reproduced from an earlier production by Andrei Mironov - which is why this comedy is filled with a slight sadness, characteristic of every theatrical work of this actor and director. Here, too, there is no justification for the greed of the heroes, however, watching their lives, I want not to punish them with laughter, but to quietly and heartily pity them for the inferiority of their views and principles of life.
The problems that appear in Ostrovsky’s work “Mad Money” are also relevant for the modern generation. This is money that a person is unable to hold in his hands for a long time. They don't stay long and slip through your fingers like sand. Therefore, the production based on the creation of a genius will appeal to everyone without exception. Alexander Nikolaevich is a master of fast-paced intrigue and lively, sparkling humor.
In the reading of the famous director Vladimir Ivanov, the play, written several centuries ago, sounds so colorful and interesting that you want to watch it again and again. Ivanov gathered the best actors in one production, including Viktor Nizovoy, Valery Babyatinsky, Vladimir Dubrovsky, Lyudmila Polyakova, Aleftina Evdokimova, Sergei Tezov and many others. The premiere of the play “Mad Money” in Moscow took place in the late 90s. Over the course of 20 years, the production was shown to the capital's public more than 300 times, and the audience tirelessly applauded and admired the work of the creative team.
The plot outline of the play “Mad Money”
What is our life? The pursuit of untold riches and the desire for luxury and high social status... These are the harsh realities of life... According to the plot of the play, a mother who remains a widow dreams of a successful marriage for her own daughter. Suddenly a millionaire appears on the horizon. The widow thinks that she will easily be able to defraud the wealthy gentleman, but that was not the case... The potential groom, it turns out, knows how to count money and is not going to part with it so easily.
This comedy story has elements of tragedy and outright farce, but you will not doubt for a second the reality of what is happening, thanks to the virtuoso acting, magnificent scenery and costumes.
How to buy tickets for the play “Mad Money”
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“Mad Money” at the Maly Theater is an excellent performance for family viewing.
Crazy money.
Where else, if not at the Maly Theater, can you watch the famous works of A.N. Ostrovsky. The play “Mad Money” was staged on this famous stage by director V.N. Ivanov.
Ostrovsky is a brilliant master of plot. His works touch absolutely everyone who has the good fortune to encounter them. Drama and grotesque, satire and deep philosophy, each of the plays of the outstanding writer carries its own morality. Crazy money, according to the author, is that which quickly comes and also leaves instantly, without lingering in your pockets. Doesn’t this allow us to draw a parallel with today’s realities, when money becomes a measure of success and talent? This is true. A great classic is what it is because what he talks about is relevant for all times.
Many famous theater actors are involved in the play “Mad Money”. The audience will see L.P. Polyakova, V.A. Nizovoy, and Yu.V. Safronova on stage. The classic interpretation of Ostrovsky’s famous plot will undoubtedly appeal to absolutely all viewers. The success of the play is also evidenced by the fact that it is always sold out.
New impressions, a special mood, an interesting acting ensemble and individual bright images - everyone who comes to the Maly Theater for the play “Mad Money” will discover new nuances in the well-known plot. The play will be of interest to viewers of a wide age range.
If you have not yet attended this premiere, we are pleased to tell you that you can order tickets for the play “Mad Money” today.
Crazy money to order tickets.
It is no coincidence that a monument to the outstanding Russian playwright Alexander Ostrovsky was erected opposite the entrance to the famous Maly Theater. Many of his plays were successfully staged. So in the late nineties a wonderful performance Mad Money, tickets which you can purchase right now
Moral issues were resolved in them, and an interesting plot unfolded. Thanks to his understanding of the stage and theatrical life, he reformed the theater of the nineteenth century. And for theatergoers of all ages it is an honor buy tickets for the play Mad Money at the Maly Theater. Because he successfully performed on stage more than three hundred times. And every time it brought impressions to all spectators, because the fascinating play was staged in full accordance with the original source.
Wonderful performers are dressed in nineteenth-century costumes, and artists and decorators have tried their best to create a nineteenth-century atmosphere. Tickets for the play Mad Money will allow you to see why he found such a long theatrical life on the stage of the famous theater. Its creators were important personalities in the cultural life of the country. These include Honored Artist of Russia V.N. Ivanov, as well as production designer, Honored Worker of Culture of Russia A.K. Glazunov. They created a very addictive performance.
Ostrovsky at the Maly Theater
Once you start watching it, you involuntarily penetrate into the world of the merchants of the nineteenth century with its negative and sometimes very funny features. Tickets for Mad Money- This is an opportunity to learn about the most different aspects of a person’s life. Every writer of classical Russian literature is an excellent psychologist. Alexander Ostrovsky is one of the most careful researchers of the human world and his actions. He was interested in how a person changes after receiving power and money.
He was also seriously concerned about the ignorance and immorality of so many people. There is no doubt that performance Mad Money in Moscow will interest every viewer. It is designed for audiences over twelve years of age and will make them feel that their time at the famous theater was well spent. Creating a cultural holiday for yourself is not at all difficult if you pay attention to this event.
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Tickets for the play Mad Money.
