The Classics Theatre Project presents The Seagull
by Anton Chekhov
Directed by Terry Martin
Assistant Director Juan M Perez
Stage Manager Louis Shopen
Cast
Noah Riddle
Devon Rose
Laurel Whitsett
Joey Folsom
Anthony Magee
Stephen Miller
Jordyn Pierson
John Cameron Potts
Sara Weeks
Steven Young
Scenic Designer Joey Folsom
Costume Designer Hope Cox
Lighting Designer Juan M Perez
Graphic Designer Devon Rose
My thoughts on The Classic Theatre Project’s Production of The Seagull or…twice on this island.
Chekhov’s very dark comedy The Seagull is alive and well and currently residing in Addison, Texas. The Classics Theatre Project’s production of Chekhov’s 1895 play is an “intimate epic” and riveting theater.
This story of a family and others who populate their world and their gathering at a family estate spans six years. The central characters are Irina, a vain fading actress, her lover Boris, a popular middlebrow writer, her son Constantine, a struggling young writer who desperately wants to impress his famous mother, and Nina, a beautiful young ingenue with whom Constantine is smitten, but who becomes attracted to Boris.
Complications abound as past liaisons are revealed, hearts are broken, hopes, dreams, and ambitions are not realized, familial relations are strained, and a gunshot brings tragedy. This hardly sounds like the setting for comedy, but in this modern adaptation of the play there are many laughs that temper the often intense drama.
The intimacy of the Stone Cottage on the grounds of the Addison Theatre Center makes it almost impossible not to be drawn into the play. The space is just slightly bigger than a family room and all the actors are always visible. The set consists of chairs, benches, a small stage, and a curtain. The simplicity of the set and the close proximity of the actors are major factors in the power of the play.
Director Terry Martin’s deft direction and beyond superb cast give this late 19th century play a verisimilitude and immediacy that is almost stunning. Anyone who thinks this is a dusty old tale will be pleasantly surprised. There are so many themes here that resonate today, and I was particularly surprised by Chekhov’s observations on the quest for and challenges caused by fame.
This is an impeccable production that will be enjoyed and savored by Chekhov fans and provide an excellent introduction to the playwright for newcomers to his work.
