The Seagull
By Anton Chekhov
Adapted and Directed by Grant Sorenson
Review by Ernest Edwards
I love Grant Sorenson’s adaptation of the classic 1896 Chekhov play The Seagull. Not only is this a great script, but there are no weak links in this cast. What a cast it is! The play is so good that it had me doing an instant standing ovation when the play was over. Stellar cast with amazing performances of a classic play.
This play is so good that if I had the time, I would definitely see it again.
If you are not familiar with the story to this Anton Chekhov play. It focuses on the family at their lakeside estate over the course of the summer. Irina is an actress who is known on the stages of Moscow. Her son Konstantin wants to be a playwright and writer. Pyotr moves to the country estate to get away from the city. Doctor Dorn says the country will be better for his health. Konstantin wants Nina, Nina wants Boris, Boris is with Irina, Marsha wants Konstantin and Semyon wants Masha. Polina and Ilya are Masha’s parents who work at the estate.
Maybe by today’s standards this play could fit the category of dysfunctional family drama.
This is not my first time seeing a production of The Seagull. I did find that this production was delicious. I loved every minute of it.
Director Grant Sorenson also was the scenic designer for the play. He created a great space for the cast to use.
Let’s talk about this cast. David Michaeli gives a stunning performance as Konstantin. He dives deep into Konstantin’s psyche, his hopes, his dreams, his regrets. David Michaeli plays the violin very well too. It was great seeing him in this role. Christina Baldwin plays Irina, who is more concerned about how others perceive her as an actress than the is as a mother to Konstantin and a sister to Pyotr. Steve Mallers has a great stage presence as Boris, the lover of to Irina and a famous writer. For this production the role of the Doctor was played by Laura Esping as Yevgenia Dorn. She was great in this role. Trying to be the voice of reason in the room, when everyone else is trying to the loudest speaker in the room. It was fun watching the cat and mouse game between Lena Breheney as Masha and Leo Rossmiller as Seymon Medvedenko. Strong, talented cast. Director Grant Sorenson did an excellent job assembling this fine group.
The play has been extended to November 14, 2026. Check out www.themodernrep.com for tickets. This one is not to be missed.
