“Seagull”

[rating=4]A funny thing happened on the way to the theater tonight. It turns out most of the reviewers who were scheduled for tonight’s performance ( the ones that did not come over the week-end) were notified that one of the actors was out for personal reasons, and that an understudy would be going on. I was not the only one not notified, however, I am one of the few reviewers who has no problem reviewing a play with an actor/actress going on for another. In fact, there are nights that I am happy to do so. Let’s be honest, an understudy has to be good to become an understudy, knowing that in today’s world ( with Covid closing theaters all over the place) anything is possible. So, I opted to stay and write my review knowing that at least one reviewer will mention Alexandria Rivera in the role of Masha in Steppenwolf’s amazing production of  Anton Chekov’s “Seagull” adapted by Yasen Peyankov.

The interesting part of this production, besides the adaptation by a Steppenwolf Actor, is that this is the first production of note in their new theater, The Ensemble Theater. an in-the-round venue that has stadium type seating that is about as intimate as a space can be. This play also has a mixture of veteran Steppenwolf players  ( members of the “Company”) with some as early as the very start and one of the Lookinglass founders playing his first role on a Steppenwolf stage. A very interesting combination as well as a historical evening on Halsted.

This production is also directed by Peyankov who of course knows the play inside and out ( remember it is his adaptation). The story is filled with love triangles, artistic differences, as different generations gather at the home of Peter Nikolaevich ( Jeff Perry, a co-founder of Steppenwolf who will play this role until May 22nd and then return June 7th-12th with Scott Jaeck filling in for the missing week). Young Konstantin, his nephew ( played with just the right touch by Namir Smallwood) who wants to be a playwright/director is about to show his production. It stars a young neighbor Nina ( Caroline Neff ) who he adores as she does him. Or so it seems. In fact, she is so caught up in her love and desire to be an actress that all else in her life is on the side, including her family.

Konstantine’s mother, Irina ( a powerful portrayal by Luisa Strus) is an actress, in fact, perhaps she would be called a star. She has come for the Summer with  Boris Trigorin ( Lookingglass alumni Joey Slotnick, who brings a lot of his comic touch to this character) a writer of books and plays. During the summer,  Nina finds herself taken by his dry carefree humor and the fact that he is indeed a superstar in the chosen life in which she dreams to be. I won’t say more about the love triangle, but I am sure you can see that Konstantin loves Nina as much as Nina loves Boris, and yet, Irina loves Boris too, but in her own way.

The symbolism of the seagull  in this story is one to be watched. It’s meaning goes from freedom and carefree security to destruction at the hands of loved ones. It goes from freedom to dependence. Watching Nina is where you see the poetry of the bird. It evokes the beauty of her innocence at the start and her attraction to new horizons. As she is drawn to the stage and Moscow, is as the seagull leaves the shore to venture towards  areas of exploration. The use of this bird shows the cleverness of Chekhov.

Watching this production on this new stage was a treat. The other cast members, John Hudson Odom, Elijah Newman ( who adds a great deal to this production as the musician and the servant), Sandra Marquez , Keith Kupferer ( the caretaker of the estate along with Marquez) Dr. Dorn ( Eric Simonson) who knows all the secrets of this family and the previously mentioned Rivera as their daughter. Masha, who by the way loves Konstantin as much as he loves Nina. Ms. Rivera’s performance was flawless and I had the good fortune to be sitting in the row with her mother and young niece who were of course in heaven seeing her on the stage in this play. They were proud as punch.

The venue itself was the final member of the ensemble. It is intimate and allows for us to be “the fly on the wall” without the wall. We are in the set, observing and so close ( I was in the first row) you can reach out and touch them. Being an “arena” stage does not allow for much scenery, but in the opening scene, when they are seated to view Konstantin’s play, the stage rises and the ceiling fan comes down to form a cage containing Nina. Otherwise, the scenery if primarily furniture and props (Todd Rosenthal). The sound and original music (Pornchanok Kanchanabanca) and lighting (Marcus Doshi) as well as costumes ( Ana Kuzmanic) were sheer perfection,

While there are many who fear attending a play like “Seagull” because it was written by Anton Chekhov, do not fear this wonderful production. Ths story has love, comedy and is quite entertaining. Peyankov, a dynamic actor on stage shows that he is just as dynamic with his offstage creativity.

You can see for yourself as “Seagull” will continue in The Ensemble Theater, located at 1650 N. Halsted thru June 12th with performances as follows:

Tuesday  7:30 p.m.

Wednesday  2p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Thursday  7:30 p.m.

Friday  7:30 p.m.

Saturday  2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday  2:30 p.m.

Running time of production 2 hours and 30 minutes including an intermission.

All Covid rules apply. Must show vac and photo id and wear mask during performance. No food is allowed in the theater, but if you come early you can visit the lounge and take a tour of the new look at Steppenwolf Theater.

For tickets call 312-335-1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org

The parking is still available in their garage, they also have a lot to the north of the building where it is cash only.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Seagull”.