Audiences of the Midcoast should head to the Chocolate Church Arts Center for Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard," opening this weekend. The performers, directed by Howard Waxman, will draw you into their characters' lives, the laughter, the tears, troubles and fears, and hold you there until the final words are uttered and lights extinguished. The talented cast members have embraced their roles to create a moving experience for audiences, particularly those ages 13 and up.

The play is presented in the Curtis Room, set in the center of the space with seating for 50 set-up around three sides. This presentation style produces an inviting, intimate setting for audiences placing them in the thick of things with the actors entering and exiting among them. Sometimes, they even dance by.

Chekhov's "Cherry Orchard" takes place in Russia 1904, not long before the country's revolution and World War I. The oppression of the lower classes ignited the fuse (with help from Lenin) of social change which produced uncertainty, fear, growing dissatisfaction: Intense times for a variety of characters representing the various classes, beginning with the aristocratic family at the center of the plot headed by Lubov Ranevskya (Mimi Sorg). Madame Ranevskya is a generous woman, always sharing her wealth with those she comes in contact with, from waiters to homeless people.

At the outset, she returns from Paris to her family home with her brother, Gaev (Wayne Otto) and daughter Anya (Molly Turner) and her valet, Yasha (Sean McGuire). There they are greeted by Varya (Liz Kneebone), Madame's adopted daughter, the maid, Dunyasha (Kendray Rodriguez), Firs, the family's long-time ancient butler (Ann King) and Pishchik (Mike Rowe), a neighboring estate owner.

Madame Ranevskya returns to learn she has lost all of her money to a scamp, and that her beloved home and its expansive cherry orchard must be sold.

Lopakhin (Lee Leiner), the son of a former serf (servant) who grew up on the estate turned businessman, has an idea to save Madame from ruin: cut down the orchard and lease the land for summer/vacation homes. The beauty part as he sees it: Madame will be able to live in her home thanks to income on the leases. Lopakhin estimates his plan could bring her as much as $25,000 a year.

Ranevskya is both horrified and saddened. He can't be serious — vacation homes — how bourgeois! The cherry orchard holds a powerful place in her heart; some days she can still see her mother walking among the trees in blossom. Indeed, the orchard symbolizes something different to each main character.

When Petya Trofimov (Max Ater) the grad student (and former teacher of Madame's young son who died tragically) arrives, he brings not only his youth, but ideas about social change, about the injustices the people face day in and day out. A new day is coming, and he welcomes it.

There are a few love stories woven in. Dunyasha is in love with Yasha and believes he feels the same, but, all we know for sure about Yasha is that he would prefer Firs was no longer among them. His contempt for the aged, but loyal and efficient butler is never hidden. The biggest love news is actually the lack of a proposal of marriage by Lopakhin to Varya.

Other characters in the play are the clerk, Yipihodov “Double Trouble” (Corey Jacques), Charlotta (Tamara Lilly) Anya's governess, a homeless woman (Paula McNulty) and the station master (Bob Greeley).

Stand out performances at the full dress rehearsal on April 24 were by: Ann King, whose portrayal of the butler is simply outstanding from the walk and carriage to voice and attitude. There are no small parts, people!

Madame Ranevskya carries the show and her moods run the gamut, her life is fast becoming unrecognizable. Mimi Sorg is adept at conveying this passionate Russian aristocrat whose world is crumbling — and it seems effortless. In the second scene, when she confronts Petya Trofimov, “the eternal student” who is above love, about his tendency to be judgmental and his immaturity, Sorg demonstrates her range.

At one point she says to Trofimov, “You boldly look forward, isn't it because you cannot foresee or expect anything terrible, because so far life has been hidden from your young eyes? You are bolder, more honest, deeper than we are, but think only, be just a little magnanimous, and have mercy on me.”

Wayne Otto is delightful as Ranevskya's brother. Early on in the play, Gaev speaks to a 100-year-old bookcase, still standing, still able, still with something to give. As he gives this speech, Otto, touching the piece of furniture gently, lovingly, reveals his sentimental and deep nature.

Whenever Gaev experiences a feeling that makes him feel awkward, he blurts out a billiard phrase like this one: “Yellow ball in the side pocket, bank shot off the center!” Oh, sure, he seems to have a problem dressing himself (just ask Firs), and often seems like he is a few crayons short of a full box, but he is a character you find yourself feeling quite fond of.

Lee Leiner, Tamara Lilly and Liz Kneebone also turned in notable performances.

“The Cherry Orchard” opens Friday, April 25 and runs for two consecutive weekends. Show dates: April 25 through 27 and May 2 through 4; Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinées at 2 p.m. For tickets ($12/adults; $10/seniors and students) and more information, call 207-442-8455.