Opening of a big exhibit called “Gogol’s Museum” will take place on April 1, 2009 at 4 PM.  The exhibit honors the 200^th anniversary of Gogol’s birthday.  Exhibit items provided by the Alexandrinsky Theater occupy a big place at the theater section of the exhibit. These are playbills, programs, scenery designs, costumes of Gogol’s characters, property pieces, and photos from Gogol performances of various times.  The Alexandrinsky Theater was the first theater to introduce Gogol’s writings to general public.  On January 9, 1835, one-act interlude vaudeville “Evening on the Farm near Dikanka” composed of Gogol’s stories was presented here.  Next season, on April 19, 1835, the great comedy of “The Inspector General” was presented to the public.  The young dramatist had read his play to the actors and was present at the rehearsals. Later on, not only the plays and dramatic pieces, but nearly all Gogol’s writings were performed on the Alexandrinsky Stage.  At present, three Gogol’s performances are shown on the Alexandrinsky Stage: Valery Fokin’s “The Inspector General” created on the basis of Vs. Meyerhold and M. Korenev’s scenic version of 1926; Andrey Moguchy’s “The Ivans” and Valery Fokin’s “The Marriage.” Episodes from these performances will be shown at the exhibit on a big plasma screen installed at the Manege Lobby.  Costumes from Gogol performances will be a part of the unique exhibit items: Zemlyanka’s uniform (actor K.N. Yakovlev) and Shpekin’s dress coat (actor A.A. Ridel) from the 1897 version of “The Inspector General;” Governor’s uniform (actor Y.V. Tolobeyev) from “The Inspector General” of 1952; costumes from the “Chichikov’s Adventures or the Dead Souls” performance.