Posted inTheater Review

Steppenwolf’s Seagull opens a lovely new space

“Here is a theater. No curtain, no wings, no scenery. Just an empty space.” Konstantin Treplev, the young and hungry artist manqué in Anton Chekhov’s Seagull, intones these words before the disastrous and abortive premiere of his play-within-the-play for his family. But at the Saturday opening of ensemble member Yasen Peyankov’s production at Steppenwolf, it […]

Posted inArts & Culture

The Seagull/Jumping at 65 M.P.H.

The first two scenes of Chicago Actors Ensemble’s The Sea Gull, Chekhov’s portrayal of dysfunctional families and unrequited love, seem to indicate that it’s going to plod wearily along toward its tragic conclusion. But thanks to some solid and mature acting by most of the cast, it actually becomes entertaining–and just engrossing enough to illustrate […]