A Day By the Sea at the Mint Theatre

The Mint Theatre constantly puts on great productions, and A Day By the Sea is no exception. It's long and slow, but really carefully put together and beautifully told. It kind of reminds me of what The Snow Geese wanted to be (a more modern Chekhovian drama), but less dull. The performers are all wonderful, and the Mint has a way of getting actors to say old-fashioned dialogue and make it sound natural. Perhaps if others saw this production, they could post their thoughts in this thread.

Yes, I saw it, and the theater was full when I did.  I agree with all that you say.  This is a lovely production of a play I had never heard of.  Beautifully directed, richly performed and well-produced all around.  Austin Pendleton, his cast and The Mint's production team have put their trust in simplicity, and it pays off.

I would not say that it is slow so much as leisurely paced.  And as you say, it is not dull.  Its well-written scenes have the right accumulative effect, keeping us fully involved.

N.C. Hunter was plainly influenced by Chekhov, and in that the play makes a perfect English bookend to "Heartbreak House."

Well, 2 up, 1 down??

No one left before it ended on Tuesday, for what it's worth.

Updated On: 8/18/16 at 09:59 AM

The play is a mixed bag. A slow, talky-burn with not much dramatic tension. However, there's some lovely work done by Mint regulars and new-comers. Polly McKie as the love-struck Governess stands out with a beautiful scene reminiscent of one from Inge's Picnic. It's a lovely performance, with great heart, and her big scene is the most riveting of the night.

Couldn't agree more. Their production of WOMEN WITHOUT MEN last season was sublime and must-see theatre, in my opinion.