Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
184
Theater Dining
Because Moscow's theaters are spread out throughout town, there's no real the-
ater district dining. Many Russian restaurants don't start dinner service until 7pm,
which is when most performances begin, so you may have to wait until after the
show to eat. If you're in the area of the Bolshoi Theater in summer, treat yourself
to an after-theater confection at the Metropol tearoom followed by a stroll
through Red Square to watch the midnight sunset.
Chekhov, Ostrovsky, and Griboyedov, but international companies occasionally perform
both Russian and foreign works in English. 1/6 Teatralnaya Sq. (across from the Bolshoi).
& 495/624-4083. www.maly.ru. Metro: Teatralnaya.
Moscow Art Theater (MKhAT imeni Chekhova) This was where playwright Anton
Chekhov and the Stanislavsky method of acting made it big, and actors and writers from
around the world have been making pilgrimages here for a century. It's worth stopping
by even if you don't attend a performance; you can view the strange and scrawny statue
of Chekhov in front and wander the pleasant pedestrian street while you're at it. Inaugu-
rated in 1898, the theater and the company that bore its name brought together Stan-
islavsky's innovative acting school, Nemirovich-Danchenko's more established name and
theater studio, and Chekhov's new brand of psychological drama. Today the theater puts
on some of Moscow's most popular plays, from revivals of Russian classics to premiers of
plays dealing with Chechnya and other up-to-date themes. The second stage hosts more
experimental works for a slightly lower ticket price (though ticket prices for both stages
are well below those in London or New York). English-language performances are rare.
Don't confuse this theater with the Moscow Art Theater named after Maxim Gorky, a
more modern venue with a less lofty reputation. 3 Kamergersky Pereulok. & 495/629-8760.
www.mxat.ru. Metro: Teatralnaya.
Tabakov Theater Studio Oleg Tabakov is perhaps Moscow's most famous and
energetic theater director, with several studios around town and fresh performances con-
stantly enlivening his repertoire. His chief performance space is a stuffy basement hall in
the picturesque Chistiye Prudy neighborhood, always full of enthusiastic, friendly the-
atergoers. If you're learning Russian, attending a show here is a great way to get some
practice—the hall is so small you can watch the actors enunciate, and the visuals aid
comprehension. 1A Ulitsa Chaplygina (through the arch and to the right). & 495/623-6125.
www.tabakov.ru. Metro: Chistiye Prudy.
9
2 THE CLUB & MUSIC SCENE
DANCE CLUBS & DISCOS
Moscow's club scene has been called the hottest, wildest, most expensive, and most
offensive in Europe. It attracts top DJs from London and New York, top models, and
plenty of uncontrolled substances. Although the industry has been driven by the excesses
of Russia's new rich, it offers plenty of options for less affluent onlookers as well. Even if
you're not a clubber, you'll find it worthwhile to get a glimpse into the world where
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