‘Seminar’ explores writing, relationships with comedy
By Jackie Moe
Lessons on art, writing and relationships are learned in the Chance Theater’s adaptation of the Broadway play “Seminar.”
The play – written by Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright Theresa Rebeck, who wrote the 2007 Broadway production “Mauritius” – opens Saturday for a three-week run.
Set in New York City, the story follows four aspiring writers who pay $5,000 each for a 10-week writing seminar with Mr. Rickman Leonard, a harsh professor who critiques their work with disdain and emotions from a rough past.
Director Elina de Santos, making her Chance Theater debut, said she was originally drawn to the play because of its attractive storyline that questions relationships and artistry.
“Theresa Rebeck is a playwright who has great facility with language and comedy. Beneath these words, I wanted to find the emotional story, the story that would compel and inspire audiences,” said de Santos.
The cast introduces new faces to the Chance Theater, including Ned Liebl in the role of Leonard. De Santos said Liebl, who lives in Los Angeles, “has the depth of an artist and charisma to make you believe that he commands great sums of money to teach and influence the lives of talented artists.”
The young writers are performed by Chance newcomers Asialani Holman, who plays free-spirited Izzy, and Christian Telesmar as name-dropping and semi-successful writer Douglas. Theatergoers may recognize Chance veterans Karen Jean Olds, who plays privileged rich girl Kate, and the theater’s managing director and returning actor Casey Long as introverted writer Martin.
Described by de Santos as a “comedy with depth,” the play shows the tensions that rise between the writers as they clash over their work and relationships with one another. It also explores the relationship between the master critic professor and his disciples.
Rebeck’s Broadway play opened in November 2011 and had a six-month residency at the Golden Theater, with the late Emmy Award-winning actor Alan Rickman playing Leonard. He was eventually replaced by Academy Award-nominated actor Jeff Goldblum. The play received best play nominations from the Outer Critics Circle and the Drama League.
De Santos said she was not familiar with other adaptations before directing this production, so she put her own personal touches on the play and its set. The costumes and set are designed by Bruce Goodrich, who designed the Chance Theater’s productions “She Loves Me” (2014) and “Reborning” (2012).
“It was my goal to look for the complexity of the relationships as we explored the comedy. It is staged in a thrust stage, giving the play three distinct views. I encourage people to sit on the sides for a look inside this living room,” said de Santos.
Although the play has entertaining dialogue, loaded with humorous one-liners, de Santos said the production also has a lot of heart to it.
“I always want the audience to have an experience that can only happen in the theater,” said de Santos, “I hope they feel that the production gives them insight into themselves.”
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