Photo: Nigel Parry

Mary-Louise Parker is the latest to play the title character in Ibsen's Hedda Gabler — will she be the first to get it right? David Edelstein investigates. Dan Kois reviews Sam Mendes's production of The Cherry Orchard. Edelstein reviews The Class. Are this year's Oscar nominations as game-changing as Barack Obama? Mark Harris is dubious. How did Bruce Springsteen manage to remain the Boss for 40 years? Ira Boudway explains it all in chart form. Was Sundance 2009 the best in years? Yes, say Logan Hill and Bilge Ebiri. Also, Hugo Lindgren interviews Andrew Bird on his musical roots.