My review of THE SEAGULL

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 5:37pm

I had the extreme pleasure of seeing Ian Rickson's production of "The Seagull" yesterday. I grabbed a student rush ticket for $25 an hour before curtain. Let me just say that the sightlines at the Walter Kerr Theatre are EXCELLENT. I was all the way off to the left in row H and I could see everything perfectly (save for the left wall of the set where nothing at all happens). The theatre is also absolutely stunning. I didn't remember it very well from when I saw "Grey Gardens" but it's absolutely beautiful.

Now, the show:
The sets are beautiful. They're sparse in the first act, but they're still quite stunning to look at. The second act set takes place indoors and is very realistic as opposed to the outdoors where everything was bare and gigantic. They both work extremely well as the mood changes drastically in the second act.
The performances were all individually remarkable. Kristin Scott Thomas leads the pack as the fading actress who just won't let go, Arkadina. She is a particularly exceptional Arkadina because half of the time you don't realize how hurtful or neglectful or pompous she is actually being until you see how her remarks fall on those around her. It's truly an incredible performance. She's a pathetic woman who clearly never got the attention she desired and never lived the life she longed for, no matter how famous she claims to be. Mackenzie Crook is excellent as well as Arkadina's writer son, Konstantin. He is a man of manic intensity who only wants to show his mother that he is not a failure. His performance makes his character seem doomed from the get-go. You know he is not destined for the greatness he seeks to find and that makes his character all the more tragic. Peter Sarsgaard turns in a surprisingly good performance as Trigorin. He does not have as big a presence as his co-stars, but for the fact that he is not a seasoned theatre actor, it works very well. He certainly doesn't stand out, but he isn't entirely out of his league. He's not giving the horrible performance some people are saying he is. Zoe Kazan... Wow. What is there to say about this girl? She's got quite the future ahead of her. She makes sure that she is a dominant presence at all times, assuring that the audience is captivated by her every move and line. This is difficult to do with a part as small as Masha. But she does it. Her first scene in Act Two is wonderful and funny while also subtly revealing how damaged Masha truly is. Or rather, makes herself out to be. Now, I saved the best (in MY opinion) for last: Carey Mulligan. Holy f'ing God. I was so riveted and moved by Carey's Nina that I am actually at a loss for words. I've seen a couple different productions of "Seagull" and never have I seen such a fully fleshed out interpretation of Nina. She IS her character. She truly makes the audience feel horrific for her character's plight. She is truly a stunning actress, ripping into the mind of her character with such intensity. The final scene in Act One left me breathless and her final scene in Act Two (where she returns to Sorin's estate to see Konstantin) is heartbreaking.

RUN, don't walk, to the Walter Kerr. I cannot say enough great things about this production. The entire ensemble works so well together, so it truly cannot be said that one single person steals the show because each and every one of them has their moments of pure brilliance. It is a remarkable production that is not to be missed by anyone who wishes to be truly moved by a piece of theatre.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 6:46pm

While not totally in agreement with your assessment of the show, I could't agree more about Carey Mulligan. She REALLY nailed it and I think we can consider ourselves fortunate to see the beginning of a career that will be in the same league as Ashcroft, Caldwell, Dewhurst, Maggie Smith and Judi Dench at their very best. Sorry I won't live long enough to see the ultimate triumphs!!!!!!!!

Updated On: 10/19/08 at 06:46 PM

[JeaniusIsMe]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 8:21pm

Another post heralding Carey Mulligan from me as well. LOVED every moment of her performance. Such a talent.

And, to top it off, the rest of the show is wonderful as well.