The Seagull

I have to admit I’d never actually sat through a live performance of a Chekhov play until the current Broadway production of The Seagull. It was a smash hit in London and stars movie actors Kristin Scott Thomas and Peter Sarsgaard. I prepared myself for the stereotypical notion that I’d be bashed over the head with depressing, unfulfilled Russian peasants whining about their sad lives. And in actuality it basically was depressing, unfulfilled Russian peasants (and actors and writers) whining about their sad lives, except it was all quite entertaining and surprisingly funny.

Thomas deserves the hype from her glowing London reviews. Her portrayal of the larger-than-life actress, Arkadina, never became a caricature. She has taken a role that on the surface could appear to be, well, a bitch, and transformed it into a character the audience instead sympathizes with. She makes clear that the character’s insecurities and self-doubt are what fuel her ego and need for attention.

Sarsgaard, an actor I admire from his screen work, doesn’t fare quite as well. Perhaps his long movie stint has rendered his stage chops a bit rusty? His performance in the first half of the play seemed under-powered and under-focused. Some odd hand gestures, combined with weird line breaks and pauses in his speeches, interfered with the clarity of the text. And his every appearance seemed to suck the energy from the stage. He did improve after intermission, but someone needs to tie his hands behind his back to stop all the pointless flailing. Since the play is still in previews, I can only hope he’ll improve with more performances under his belt.

The remaining cast is wonderful all around, especially Carey Mulligan. Her wide-eyed Nina, is a wonderful foil to Thomas’ insecure aging diva.

Maybe I’m just a product of the MTV generation, but in spite of mostly engaging performances, sitting through a three hour Russian drama in a tiny Broadway theatre seat is a lot to ask of someone. Especially when your neighbor is, how shall I say, large of frame and spilling over the armrest into your personal space. Regardless, it is easy to see how in less capable hands, this could definitely be an extremely tedious evening.