The Seagull (The Instigators)

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 uneven acting.

Don't see it if you can't put up with uncomfortable seating options.

See it if You've never seen it before

Don't see it if You don't get Chekov.

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 the play's atmosphere. The staging is immersive, though there's no audience interaction. The folding chairs are uncomfortable for the play's duration. You may want to bring a cushion or fold up a jacket.... 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 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 want to support an exciting new company. you're open to seeing this play once again.

Don't see it if you hate the play or off off broadway theater.

Also a lovely, promising production. beautiful use of the space, solid direction, acting overall strong with some highlights. third act less fully realized, the payoffs didn't all... pay off. but a solid solid effort and some lovely touches including the pianist and bar.... Read more Read less

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 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 up sometimes limits you from enjoying the play. And it is a bit too long.... Read more Read less

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 who don't do steps!... Read more Read less

See it if you wish to see Chekhov without frills and in a way that respects the text.

Don't see it if you prefer to watch name actors or don't want to sit on chairs.

Also I think this is commendable and imaginatively-executed work--staging, acting, and directing--done in a not-so-great space. We didn't need quite so many bird sounds in Act 1.... 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 like you were in the story since the seats were pretty much around (and inside?) the "stage". The acting was uneven sometimes but full of passion and sincerity. You could see good direction from the well paced story-a bit long though-of 2.5 hours. Great family drama about art, love, vanity and how everyone's life struggles among them. Bring some change! I felt bad I didn't have any cash on me to support them.... 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 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 surprised by the acting and the interpretation of the story. The acting really drew me into the story and I was able to sympathize with the characters and their varying perspectives on how to deal with the drama of life. I really liked the simplistic yet effective props and the actor-created sound effects of summer by a lake in the countryside.... 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 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 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 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 appreciate a good modern language adaptation of a classic and don't mid a low budget and non-proscenium production.

Don't see it if you want a lavish production. But this is a solid, charming off-off-Broadway effort with some very strong performances (and some weaker).

See it if You're open to updated language in classic plays.

Don't see it if You don't like non-traditional casting. You're bothered by actors doing the set changes.

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 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 some very quality performances worth seeing. If you've never seen The Seagull before, or a Chekov play, I'd recommend giving this charming show a try.... Read more Read less

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