El Nogalar, The Stolen "Orchard"

First off let me say the world is disappointing.  Why is it disappointing?  Because people do not know how to come up with their own original ideas!  I was not intrigued by El Nogalar, even though I went in with an open mind, because the whole time I could not separate myself from comparing Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard!  I was prepared to read an entirely new story but there were too many similarities in every aspect: characters, setting, symbols!  It almost feels as if she took Chekhov's idea and for lack of a better term bastardized it.  The implementation of a sexual relationship between Maite and Lopez was appalling for me.  Did Tanya Saracho really think that the only way to make her play different was to include sexuality and technology?  Change the setting, change the time period, eliminate the men...completely new play and new idea--WRONG!  I could not get past these things to enjoy the play at all.  The only spark of creativity in the play was the choice to make the higher ups in society part of the drug cartel.  This innovative allusion to the aristocracy and evil deeds was the only redeeming quality of originality that I could gather.  The fiery passion of the Spanglish, Spanish, English mixture of language was almost overbearing.  For one who does not speak Spanish, this play would be completely problematic at times.  Overall, I could not see the point she was trying to make because relating Chekhov to the society of today doesn't have to be done through technology and SEX!  Chekhov's work speaks for itself even today and reaches people without the temptation of modern day greed, over-sexuality, or drug use.  You want to make a statement about social change and justice?  NEWSFLASH! You do not have to come out and say the obvious problems to still be talking about them through your characters actions and interactions!  Saracho, didn't you learn anything from Chekhov before you stole his idea? The notion of taking someone else's idea...adaptation is one thing, but El Nogalar is in a category all its own labeled, THIEVERY!  Not a fan at all.  However, I am interested in seeing Loyola's production this fall.  Perhaps its similar to romanticism for me, I might need to see it performed to truly understand what its meant to teach me.  That is all...before I fly off the handle haha.