THOUSAND OAKS, CA – California Lutheran University’s Theatre Arts Department will present Anton Chekhov’s last and most famous comedy, “The Cherry Orchard,” in November.

Shows of the Fall Mainstage production will be at 8 p.m. Nov. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 in Preus-Brandt Forum. A 2 p.m. matinee will be presented on Nov. 14.

In “The Cherry Orchard,” the Russian playwright brings to life a quirky family caught in the social and economic changes of early 20th century Russia. Tears and laughter co-exist in the play, which is filled with vivid characters who yearn for and yet are unable to achieve happiness.

Directed by CLU theatre arts professor Michael J. Arndt, the production’s approach to this classic play is one of looking into the past as at an old photograph. The evocative and symbolic set designed by assistant professor Nate Sinnott and lighting designed by lecturer Amy Sinnott reflect the haze of time. Costume designer Val Miller, a new lecturer in the theatre arts department, has captured the look and feel of clothing of early 20th century Russia. Professional composer Chris Hoag provides a haunting score and sound design.

In his play, Chekhov comically portrays an aristocratic family whose wealth and power has slipped away. Their estate is about to be auctioned and their beloved cherry orchard about to fall to the ax. They muse about the past, regret their mistakes, and dance and play billiards as their world crumbles around them.

Arndt, artistic director of the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company, finds the richness of Chekhov’s characters equal that of the Bard’s in many ways. “The Cherry Orchard” is filled with memorable characters whose comic eccentricities make them richly human. A clerk named Yepikhodov, played by sophomore theatre arts major Tommy Schofield of Edmonds, Wash., stumbles and bumbles, sure that he is the most cursed man on earth. Charlotta the governess, portrayed by junior theatre arts major Storie Blake of Encino, complains about everyone as she entertains them with card tricks, magic and ventriloquism. Scholar Trofimov, played by sophomore multimedia major Jordan Skinner of Phoenix, pontificates about the coming societal changes but never really does anything. Estate owner Liubov Ranevskaya, played by junior theatre arts major Elyse Sinklier of Des Moines, Iowa, is unable to manage her money, giving away the little she still has.

The forum is located south of Olsen Road near Mountclef Boulevard.

General admission is $10, and free with CLU I.D. For information or tickets, call the Theatre Arts Department at (805) 493-3416.