The Instigators tackle Chekhov's classic in an imaginative production featuring a new adaptation of the text and a live soundscape that blends actor-created sound effects with original music. More…
'The Seagull' is about a family of theater artists and the month-long sojourn in the country that transforms their lives forever. Konstantin, a young and idealistic playwright, dreams of creating new art forms, but a visit from his famous actress-mother and her famous writer-boyfriend overwhelms and demoralizes him. He feels more and more suffocated as his love for the star-struck neighbor girl grows increasingly unrequited. With humor and keen insight, 'The Seagull' exposes the absurdity of the human condition, and the poignancy of the need to live an extraordinary life.
See it if You want to see a new translation of a classic play in an immersive setting. You want to support a young theatre company.
Don't see it if You want a company that's more equally trained in classical theatre -a few good ones, & a few in a more developmental stage.
Also The running time is 2 1/2 hours. I liked the loft space: it added to t... Read more Read less
See it if you're interested in low-budget theatre that doesn't compromise heart or passion. This is art for art's sake--theatre in its purest form.
Don't see it if you don't care for Chekhov or heavy themes, or you're close-minded to shows that don't contain special effects and glitzy production values.
See it if You've never seen it before
Don't see it if You don't get Chekov.
See it if You love Chekov and like to see many different types of productions, and are interested in supporting low-budget theatre.
Don't see it if You only like well-polished productions & highly skilled actors, and aren't willing to give a theatre company a chance to spread its wings.
See it if you enjoy Chekhov; an entertaining production in a small box theater; some uneven performances
Don't see it if a dated play; some difficult staging choices; hard folding chairs for 2 1/2 hour play;
See it if you enjoy uneven acting.
Don't see it if you can't put up with uncomfortable seating options.
See it if You enjoy immersive theater and have a long attention span
Don't see it if You can't sit through almost 3 hours of theater.
See it if You don’t have a problem burning up because of lack of ac . This really affected being able to enjoy the show . I felt so bad for the actors
Don't see it if You don’t have too because summer is here and the theater will just get hotter .
See it if You enjoy Chekov. You want to see a show where the acting stars, not a set or special effects. You enjoy small intimate theater.
Don't see it if Classic plays are not your thing. You need the special effects, fancy staging.
Also Theater is on the 4th floor of a walk up building. WARNING for those w... Read more Read less
See it if You want to see a great ensemble perform a family drama that talks about ambition, acceptance, failures, and heartaches.
Don't see it if You prefer a more polished production staging.
Also These guys deserve to be in a better stage production. The whole set u... Read more Read less
See it if you haven't seen The Seagull, or other Chekhov plays before. You like small, intimate downtown theatre and a bit innovative staging.
Don't see it if You want to see full staging or well balanced acting.
Also The staging was not extravagant but very effective. You would feel lik... Read more Read less
See it if You want a new take on a classic; you don't mind climbing four flights of stairs to get to the theater
Don't see it if You want to see the original classic play without a modern spin
See it if you like an intimate venue with passionate performances
Don't see it if you are looking for glitz and glam, don't like heavy themes, or interactive performances
See it if you enjoy Russian plays, symbolism, mood pieces.
Don't see it if you get antsy in long plays, you expect a lot of action, symbolism isn't your thing.
See it if you like a glimpse into how the characters from two families in a small countryside in Russia deal with life's twists and turns
Don't see it if you want something light with a happy ending. As in life, not everything has a happy ending or a close and this ends on a dark note.
Also Usually off-Broadway shows can be a hit or miss but I was pleasantly s... Read more Read less
See it if you are a Chekov fan
Don't see it if you don't like sitting on the floor, climbing four flights of stairs, or are in the mood for something upbeat.
See it if you like theater and alternative productions. classic play, great adaptation, solid acting. overall a poignant, clear storytelling.
Don't see it if expect everything to be technically well-polished. it's also two hours plus an intermission..
See it if You like intimate works with excellent acting and directing at a really affordable price.
Don't see it if You don't like being too close or if you don't like Chekhov. Although this production is not too morbid!
See it if not familiar with The Seagull, want a warm, intimate, well intentioned, well spoken staging of a classic
Don't see it if walking 6 flights up, intimacy, Chekov, small productions, minimal staging are problems to your appreciation of a classic
See it if You like plays in an intimate setting. You want to be entertained. You want to see some good acting. You like simple effective staging.
Don't see it if You don't like plays in intimate settings. You are not interested in hearing a story about actors or potential actors and writers.
See it if you appreciate complex character relationships, authenticity, in classic Russian drama by experimental company in lovely period space
Don't see it if you do not appreciate Chekhov plays, racially unrealistic albeit PC casting, uneven cast abilities, wooden acting by some, sitting 2.5 hours
See it if you like Chekov, intimate & quirky productions, a play about writers and actors and family.
Don't see it if You don't like Chekov or small productions. Despite the low-budget, it was well-staged & directed.
Also The acting is uneven as other reviews have noted, though there are som... Read more Read less