Review: THE SEAGULL at Classic Theatre Of San Antonio

A strong cast and fine direction by Allan Ross served up an almost pitch perfect production of Anton Chekhov's first and most autobiographical play, The Seagull.

Chekhov described the play as a comedy. He wrote "There are three women's parts, six men's, four acts, landscapes (view over a lake); a great deal of conversation about literature, little action, tons of love."

While most productions of Chekhov tend to lean towards tragedy and heavy drama, Allan Ross's interpretation probably cleaves much closer to Chekhov's original concept.

In a tapestry of fine performances, Kelly Hilliard Roush was outstanding as the scheming and self-centered actress Irina. I imagine her to be exactly what Chekhov had in mind when he wrote the part. She is funny, vivacious and totally captivating in the role.

Jonathan Pollei gave an equally bravura performance in his role as Trigorin, while Catherine Babbitt and Andrew Thornton (as Paulina and Yevgeny Dorn) gave very serviceable performances in roles that did not make many demands on their considerable talents.

Michael Holley delivered a very sensitive and thoughtful interpretation of the frustrated lover and writer Consantine, while the rest of the cast also delivered assured performances.

As Nina, Julya Jara gave a very amusing and appropriately over-the-top rendition of the play within a play in act one. The rest of her performance was well balanced until act four, when I felt she was just a little too frenetically dramatic. While this might be well within the tradition of Chekhov productions, and could be considered fine acting in that context, I felt it could have been toned down a little or, alternatively, leaned more towards melodrama. However, this is a minor reservation about a production that deserves to be seen and enjoyed.

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