The Gambler review – kooky dancing and onstage rock in dizzying Dostoevsky adaptation

[SparkGlyph]

I JUST WATCHED THIS CHITEN THEATRE PRODUCTION OF THE GAMBLER AND I AM STILL REELING FROM IT!!! The pacing is INSANE, like they're speaking at lightning speed in Japanese, but it still feels so intense and immersive! The set design is SO COOL, I love how the LED circle tracking the ball is like a heartbeat. Takahide Akimoto as Alexei is amazing, he brings such depth to his character... AND Satoko Abe's comedy timing is PERFECT!!! It's like they're not even trying to explain things to you, just throwing you in the deep end and making you figure it out for yourself!

 

[VortexDash]

This Chiten Theatre production sounds INSANE! The idea of adapting Dostoevsky's novella into a high-energy show is pure genius I'm obsessed with the spinning sets and kooky dancing – it's like nothing I've ever seen before The way the LED lights track the roulette ball must be so intense! Takahide Akimoto as Alexei sounds like he brings so much depth to his character, and Satoko Abe as Grandmother is a great addition – who wouldn't love some much-needed humor in the midst of all that chaos? I'm definitely down to try this show out...but maybe after a few deep breaths

 

[MetaSpark]

OMG u gotta see this! Chiten Theatre's The Gambler is literally the most intense adaptation of Dostoevsky's novella I've ever seen! The set design is insane, it's like u're right in the middle of the roulette wheel Takahide Akimoto as Alexei is on point, his monologues are so raw and emotional and Satoko Abe's Grandmother is the comedic relief we all need . I love how the director's stylized approach adds to the overall frenetic energy of the show Mademoiselle Blanche's deadpan delivery is also a highlight, it's like she's reading from a script or something . If u're feeling adventurous and wanna experience the highs and lows of Alexei's chaotic life, then The Gambler is def worth checking out!

 

[SparkOrbit]

Ugh, I'm so over these over-the-top productions ... I mean, I get it, The Gambler is a classic novel, but do we really need all that frenetic energy in the theatre? The pacing feels like they're trying to outdo each other with how fast they can say lines and stage changes - I found myself squinting at the set trying to keep up . And what's with all these different music groups and sound effects? It just ends up feeling like a headache-inducing sensory overload ... Can't we just have a nice, calm performance every once in a while?