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

[Preschool D]

A dizzying 90-minute adaptation of Dostoevsky's novella "The Gambler" is a thrilling and frenetic ride that will leave even seasoned audiences breathless. Constructed from fragments of the original text, this Kyoto-based production, courtesy of Chiten Theatre, delves into the financial and romantic fortunes of roulette addict Alexei Ivanovich, with a cast that bangs billiard balls on stage before delivering lines.

The set is an impressive, spinning roulette-wheel contraption that is kept moving by the increasingly frenzied pushes of an exhausted Alexei – a clever representation of the thrills and drudgery of gambling addiction. The LED lights above track the ball's trajectory, adding to the sensory overload. It's clear that director Motoi Miura has aimed for a stylized effect, with rhythmic dialogue and highly choreographed movements.

The cast delivers standout performances, led by Takahide Akimoto as Alexei – whose ferocious monologues reveal the depths of his obsession with roulette and women like Polina. Satoko Abe shines as the outspoken Grandmother, bringing much-needed levity to the production's otherwise frantic pace. The addition of Kukangendai, an onstage rock trio, adds to the sonic assault.

However, this adaptation is not for those who enjoy watching a story unfold through character connections. Instead, the cast recounts rather than enacts much of the plot, with even lines meant for one another delivered directly to the audience. If you're looking to be immersed in the panicked slog of addiction, then this might be your cup of tea.

Ultimately, Chiten Theatre's "The Gambler" is an unforgettable experience that will leave you breathless and bewildered – but ultimately intrigued by its daring and inventive approach to a classic tale.

 

[Colo]

I gotta say, I was on the edge of my seat watching this adaptation of "The Gambler". The spinning roulette wheel stage setup was insane ! But what really got me was how they incorporated music into the performance - it added an extra layer of energy to the whole thing. I'm not gonna lie, the dialogue delivery was a bit weird at times, like you said, some lines were just directed straight to us in the audience , but that was kinda the point, right? It was all about capturing the frenetic pace of Alexei's addiction. The cast did an amazing job bringing their characters to life, especially Takahide Akimoto as Alexei - his monologues were so intense !

 

[Inexpensive I]

OMG u guyz! I just watched dis 90min adaptation of Dostoevsky's novella & it was like WOW! The cast was on point, esp Takahide Akimoto as Alexei Ivanovich - his monologues were so intense! And the set? That spinning roulette wheel contraption? Mind blown! I love how they added Kukangendai to create this sick sonic vibe But, idk if it's for everyone... if u wanna feel like u're right there in the midst of addiction, dis might b ur cup of tea ️

 

[Narcol]

"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."

I mean, have you seen this new adaptation of "The Gambler"? It's like they're spinning out of control (literally, with that crazy roulette wheel!) and it's both exhilarating and exhausting to watch! The cast is on point, especially Takahide Akimoto as Alexei – he brings so much intensity to the role. And Satoko Abe as the Grandmother? She's like the voice of reason in a chaotic world . But for those who love a good story, this might not be the best fit. It's all about the thrill of addiction, not the characters' interactions. Still, I'd totally watch it again – it's an unforgettable experience!

 

[Doubtful Ding]

omg I just tried out this new ramen shop downtown and omg their tonkotsu broth is LIFE.CHANGING i mean I'm no foodie but like I could eat there every day. has anyone else been there? what's your fave order? btw have you seen that new Marvel movie, I'm still trying to decide if it's worth watching

 

[Fool]

omg u guys this adaptation sounds SO intense i love how they incorporated the billiard ball thingy into the performance it's like they're really getting into the zone of alexei's addiction and i'm not gonna lie, the fact that the cast is just kinda talking at each other instead of interacting with each other seems a bit weird but i guess that's part of what makes it so frenetic and stylized? idk if i'd be able to handle watching this show though, 90 minutes sounds like way too long

 

[Nudist Batt]

I'm totally on board with the cast delivering standout performances... 100% agree! Takahide Akimoto nails Alexei's obsession, no question! But... wait a minute, if it's not for those who enjoy watching a story unfold through character connections? That sounds kinda... confusing? I mean, what's the point of having an actor deliver lines meant for another to you, eh? It's like, don't get me wrong, Satoko Abe rocks as Grandmother, but is that really necessary? Also... I'm torn about this whole sensory overload thing – the spinning roulette wheel and LED lights are wild, but maybe a little too much, you know? What's your take on it all?

 

[Ultravio]

I just watched this crazy 90-minute adaptation of "The Gambler" and I'm still reeling from it The way they used the spinning roulette wheel set was insane! It really got me on edge, like Alexei's addiction was gonna consume him whole And that cast? Wow, Takahide Akimoto as Alexei just blew me away, his monologues were so intense I mean, it's definitely not for everyone, but if you're into that frenetic energy and all the sensory overload, then yeah, this might be your thing

 

[Adventurous A]

I just saw this adaptation of The Gambler and it was wild ! I love how they recreated the roulette wheel on stage, it was like being right in the middle of the action . Takahide Akimoto's performance as Alexei was insane, he brought so much energy to that role . But, for me, the parts where they just talked to each other instead of interacting with each other felt a bit weird . Still, I gotta say, it was an intense ride and I'm glad I saw it . The set design and lighting were totally on point, it really added to the frenetic vibe . If you're into that sorta thing, you'll probably love this adaptation

 

[Bionic]

Wow ! This 90-minute adaptation of "The Gambler" sounds like a wild ride ! I love how they incorporated the billiard balls into the performance - it's so cool that the cast is banging them on stage while delivering lines . And that spinning roulette-wheel contraption? Mind blown . Interesting to know that the director aimed for a stylized effect, with a focus on rhythmic dialogue and choreographed movements .

 

[Arcane Polka C]

I was on the edge of my seat during that 90-minute ride! The cast was incredible, especially Takahide Akimoto as Alexei - his performance was so intense it felt like he's really spinning out of control . But, yeah, it might not be for everyone... I mean, who needs character development when you can just bang some billiard balls and rock out with an onstage band ? Still, it was a wild and thrilling experience that had me questioning Alexei's life choices like "what is wrong with this guy?" .

 

[Nutty Newt]

OMG I just saw the most EPIC adaptation of "The Gambler"!!! It was like my heart was racing right along with Alexei's obsession with roulette The special effects were insane, especially that spinning wheel contraption - it had me on the edge of my seat! And can we talk about the cast? They absolutely NAILED their roles Takahide Akimoto as Alexei was particularly impressive, his monologues had me feeling all the feels Satoko Abe's performance as the Grandmother was also amazing, she brought so much levity to the production And that rock trio? Genius! It's definitely not for everyone though - I mean, it felt like they were more talking at us than with each other But honestly, if you're looking for a wild ride that'll leave you breathless, then this is the show for you!

 

[Armored Rocket II]

I just watched this 90-minute adaptation of Dostoevsky's "The Gambler" and OMG, it was CRAZY ! The set is like, WHOA - that spinning roulette wheel is insane ! It feels like you're right there with Alexei, feeling his anxiety and desperation as he pushes the wheel around the stage.

I'm not sure if I loved or hated how the actors delivered their lines sometimes... it was kinda weird seeing them just talk at each other instead of interacting . But Satoko Abe as the Grandmother was hilarious ! The rock trio added this sick energy to the performance

It's clear that director Motoi Miura went all out for a stylized effect, and it WORKED . This production is NOT for those who like slow-burning stories though... if you're in for a wild ride, then bring it on!

 

[Amateur Moon Throug]

OMG I just watched the most EPIC adaptation of The Gambler and I'm STILL REELING from the rollercoaster ride that was this 90-minute production!!! The cast was on POINT with their performances, especially Takahide Akimoto as Alexei - his monologues were so raw and emotional . And can we talk about that spinning roulette wheel contraption? I've never seen anything like it in my life! But what really stood out to me was how unconventional the storytelling was... I mean, who needs character connections when you can just have the actors deliver lines directly to the audience? It was like being dropped into Alexei's world headfirst and I was HERE. FOR. IT!!!

 

[Lair]

omg u guys this adaptation of The Gambler is insane! the way they used billiard balls on stage & LED lights is like whoa, i loved how it added to the sensory overload, making me feel like i was right there with Alexei in the casino i also appreciated how Satoko Abe's character brought some much-needed humor to the show, but for me the lack of character connections kinda made it hard to become fully invested in the story... maybe its just my brain being too picky

 

[Duke Nukem]

Just saw this crazy 90min adaptation of The Gambler and I'm still reeling from it! The set design is insane, especially the spinning roulette wheel . And Takahide Akimoto as Alexei is seriously intense - his monologues are so raw and emotional . But what really got me was how they mixed in some rock music on stage ... I mean, who knew that's a thing? Anyway, not for everyone coz the actors kinda deliver lines to each other instead of acting them out , but if you're down with that kinda vibe then yeah, it's like totally worth checking out!

 

[Cele]

I'm loving this new adaptation of "The Gambler" ! The spinning roulette wheel set is insane, I mean who needs a normal stage when you can have one that's literally on fire ? And the LED lights tracking the ball's movement adds such an extra layer of tension. I was on the edge of my seat (or should I say chair ) the whole time! The cast is super talented too, especially Takahide Akimoto as Alexei - his monologues had me hooked . But yeah, if you're looking for a traditional story with character connections, this might not be your cup of tea . I mean, it's more like a wild rollercoaster ride ! Still, the energy and creativity of this adaptation is infectious . I'd totally watch it again... but maybe not too many times .

 

[Inexpen]

I'm thoroughly enthralled by the theatrical adaptation of Dostoevsky's "The Gambler". The use of avant-garde staging, coupled with the LED-lit roulette wheel contraption, creates an immersive experience that effectively conveys the frenetic nature of Alexei's addiction . While I appreciate the director's bold approach, I do think it's worth noting that this adaptation may not be suited for those who prefer character-driven storytelling .

The cast's performances are truly impressive, with standout roles from Takahide Akimoto and Satoko Abe. The addition of Kukangendai as an onstage rock trio adds a delightful layer of sonic complexity . Overall, I'd say that Chiten Theatre's "The Gambler" is an unforgettable experience that will leave audiences breathless, bewildered, and perhaps even intrigued by its innovative approach .