Anton Chekhov’s ‘The Seagull’ opens at Odyssey Theatre

“The Seagull,” one of Chekhov’s most popular plays and a favorite among actors, returns with a new production directed by Chekhov expert and actor Bruce Katzman, author of “Secrets of Chekhov,” and stars Sasha Alexander (“Rizzoli and Isles,” “NCIS,” “Shameless”) as Arkadina, and James Tupper (“Revenge,” “Big Little Lies,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Men in Trees,” and more recently appearing on “FBI” and “The Irrational”) as Trigorin, with performances taking place Jan. 18 through Feb. 9, in a visiting production at the Odyssey Theatre, with two preview performances on Jan. 16 and 17.

Written in 1896, “The Seagull” is Chekhov’s first masterpiece play which continues to resonate with modern audiences. Titled by Chekhov as a comedy, its two dominant themes — the pursuit of love and the pursuit of artistic expression — are as relevant today as they were 125 years ago.

On a country lake, far from the big city, a star-struck girl of 19, becomes entangled with a famous actress, her famous writer-boyfriend, and her troubled son. The girl rejects the romantic pleadings of the son but steals the heart of the famous writer and heads for Moscow to pursue him and pursue a life in the theatre as an actress. Heartbreak and unrequited love are the result, for both the main characters and the minor characters.

“Loaded with colorful and complex characters, ‘The Seagull’ is a favorite of actors and theatergoers alike,” exclaimed Katzman. “I am thrilled to bring to life Chekhov’s timeless play with an outstanding cast, brilliant young designers and a fresh directorial approach.”

Katzman has been an actor, teacher and director in the American theatre for over 50 years. An MFA from Yale School of Drama, he has conducted international workshops on Chekhov’s major plays since 1988. His book for actors, “Secrets of Chekhov,” is due to be published in 2026. Directing credits in Los Angeles include “Uncle Vanya” and “King Lear” at the MET Theatre and as well as productions of “The Cherry Orchard,” “Wild Honey,” “Cloud Nine” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” elsewhere. As an actor, his Broadway credits include the 1998 Tony Award-winning revival of “Cabaret” and the premiere season of Tony Randall’s National Actors Theatre. 

Performances of “The Seagull” take place from Jan. 18 through Feb. 9 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Two preview performances are set for Jan. 16 and 17.

Tickets are $40 ($50 gala opening night); and $20 for students with valid ID. The Odyssey Theatre is located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to theseagull-la.com.

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