The Sovremennik Theater's 1966 production of A Common Story was a great favorite with the audiences. The main character was played by Oleg Tabakov. Years later, he produced the play on his own stage, but with an update: Tabakov as Aduev, Jr. gave up the spotlight to Tabakov as Aduev, Sr.

A common story demands a plain set, and only the luxurious parquet floor of Petr Aduev's St. Petersburg house hints at the owner's successful career. This is the setting where Petr's young nephew Aleksandr, a naive country bumpkin, finds himself. The exaltation of youth clashes with the cold pragmatism of a man well past his prime. Aleksandr's trusting nature, his dreams of literary fame, the transports, torments and disappointments of his love life – all are played by Yevgeny Mironov with absolute sincerity, at times with admiration for his hero, yet with a good deal of humor. But he shows no mercy for his character in the final scenes, when Aleksandr inevitably turns into a callous and calculating double of his uncle – a transformation that horrifies even the uncle himself.

(No longer in repertory)