Tennessee Williams has often been nicknamed the "American Chekhov." Throughout his life he admired Chekhov's work and was enamored in particular with The Seagull. Under Williams' pen Chekhov's basic story remains the same, however, his characters are redefined in vivid colors, their actions rerouted from offstage conflict to onstage events and the character of Trigorin is brought more into focus making his notebook the play's central symbol. The result is the lyrical fusion of two great playwrights a century apart-a play reminiscent of Anton Chekhov but undeniably Tennessee Williams.
CSC presents plays from the past that speak directly to the issues of today. As we return to works of the past, we endeavor to keep a clear eye on the future, particularly in terms of the next generation of artists and audiences. Founded in 1967, CSC has received wide recognition for its significant contributions to theatre as an art form through productions of classic plays, translations and adaptations and a long-standing commitment to the identification and nurturing of leading and emerging artists. Classic Stage's artists are the finest established and emerging theater practitioners working in this country. Highly respected and widely regarded as a major force in New York and American theatre, Classic Stage has been cited repeatedly by all the major Off-Broadway theater awards: Obies, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League and the 1999 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Body of Work. Memberships to Classic Stage Company productions are available at various price levels, including the flexible MasterPass membership, which in addition to prime seats entitles members to participate in CSC special series, including their sold-out Open Rehearsal events. For more information on Classic Stage Company visit the theatre's website at www.classicstage.org.
