By Naman Ramachandran
Paintings at an Exhibition: The Great Gate in Kiev
Stockard Channing and Michael Praed will star in the world premiere of “The Gates of Kyiv” at Britain’s Theatre Royal Windsor. Written by Ian Kelly and directed by Roxana Silbert, the play tells the story of Soviet piano virtuoso Maria Yudina and her resistance to Stalin’s regime. Channing will play Yudina, while Praed will play Shostakovich and serve as narrator.
The production, billed as a combination of storytelling, music and dance, also features Russian pianist Gala Chistiakova and ballet dancer Xander Parish. Channing, known for her Tony Award-winning performance in "A Day in the Death of Joe Egg" and her role as Rizzo in "Grease," earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for "Six Degrees of Separation" and multiple Emmy nominations for her work in "The West Wing" and "The Matthew Shepard Story." Praed's credits include starring roles in the TV series "Robin of Sherwood" and "Dynasty," as well as stage appearances in "42nd Street" and "The Sound of Music."
“The Gates of Kyiv” will run at the Theatre Royal Windsor from 4 to 14 September 2024. The creative team includes Kenneth Tindall (choreography), Ti Green (design), Rick Fisher (lighting), Fred De Faye (sound) and Louis Price (video design).
