Sasha Alexander and james Tupper Take Flight in New “Seagull” Production
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Anton Chekhov’s timeless masterpiece, “The Seagull,” soars to new heights with a captivating new production at The Odyssey Theater in Los Angeles. Starring Sasha Alexander (Rizzoli & Isles, NCIS, Shameless) and James Tupper (Revenge, Big Little Lies) in their Los Angeles stage debuts, this production promises a fresh and compelling interpretation of the classic play.
Joining Alexander and Tupper is a talented ensemble cast featuring Parker Sack (Dopesick, Unstoppable) and Cece Kelly (The Last Thing He Told Me, Family Camp), also making their LA stage debuts. Veteran Los Angeles actors Carlos Carrasco, Carolyn Crotty, Joe Hulser, and Will Dixon round out the main cast, alongside Brianna Bryan, Matthew Hartley, Lukas Jann, and Hannah May Howard. The production is helmed by Bruce Katzman, author of Secrets of Chekhov.
Set on a picturesque country lake, the story unfolds as a 19-year-old aspiring actress becomes entangled in a complex web of relationships with a famous actress, her renowned writer-boyfriend, and her troubled son. The play explores themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of artistic expression, resonating deeply with modern audiences.
“It is indeed a story that could be told today,” says [Director’s Name, if available]. “Every day wide-eyed young actors (male and female, both) arrive in New York or Los Angeles seeking fame and fortune. And every day hearts are broken by disappointment and disillusionment. Anton Chekhov’s landmark play, written in 1896, resonates 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.”
A Director’s Viewpoint: [Director’s Name, if available] on “The Seagull”
“My first experience with a seagull was as a boy off the rear of a ferry boat in the Northumberland Strait. They seemed so free, and I wanted to fly so bad. my first experience with Chekhov’s ‘The Seagull’ was at a college play. I saw it and frankly experienced total bafflement and a kind of floating boredom. So I thought either I wasn’t able to grasp this classical masterpiece or the production was just absolutely terrible. Having now worked on the play I’m going all in on the latter.also, I remember the actual seagull was rubber and I thought, I’m not fooled at all by this rubber seagull,” [Director’s Name, if available] shared.
When asked about identifying with any of the characters, [Director’s Name, if available] responded, “Boris? No, when I last read the play I identified with Treplev. but now I see that Boris Trigorin is a complicated and dangerously complex artist.”
this production of “The Seagull” promises a captivating theatrical experience, blending classic storytelling with a contemporary sensibility. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this remarkable ensemble bring Chekhov’s masterpiece to life.
James Tu Takes Flight in LA’s “The Seagull”
James Tu, a seasoned actor with credits spanning New York’s Circle Repertory Company to television roles, is set to captivate Los Angeles audiences in a new production of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull. Opening january 18th, the production promises a fresh take on the classic play, and Tu, portraying the enigmatic Boris Trigorin, offers a interesting glimpse into his preparation and perspective.
For those unfamiliar with the play, Tu provides a concise summary: “A girl lives by a lake and she is happy and free like a seagull. Then a man comes by, sees her, and having nothing better to do, destroys her. Oh, and there is a really really famous and fabulous couple looking a million bucks.”
Tu’s involvement stems from his admiration for director bruce katzman: “Bruce Katzman. The guy is a little genius and he needs his work to be seen. When one figures out these plays they are alarmingly funny and heart breaking. But it takes a great director. Bruce may currently be America’s best at understanding them. We shall see Jan 18th (our opening night).” The production marks a new collaboration for Tu, as he reveals, “No. They are a new company and I’m onyl just learning to not see them as burglars and speedy change artists. I thought they were in it for money until I saw their paychecks.”
Trigorin’s Dating Profile: A Hilarious Twist
Imagining trigorin’s dating profile, Tu paints a humorous picture: “I’m tall, creative, a bit moody, somewhat Russian with a Canadian accent. I like cocktails and late night drinks near a lake. Looking for someone who can sweep me off my feet, make me forget how difficult it is indeed to write a long Russian novel.”
Though, he’s quick to address his own personal flaws, separating them from his character: “I’m going to answer this as myself, not Boris trigorin. Hmm. Ok, well I get upset when I’m losing a tennis match. It truly seems like the world is crumbling.Then after the match I feel fully normal. Can anyone suggest a therapist? Oh! And I find it very difficult to memorize speeches that go on for longer than 17 minutes. Also, I find myself day dreaming about applause.”
New York vs. Los Angeles Theatre: A Stark Contrast
Having experienced both New York and Los Angeles theatre scenes, Tu offers a candid comparison: “New York theatre is fantastic, and the people are well paid and very talented. LA theatre is the exact same except there is no pay whatsoever.” He reminisces about his last Los Angeles stage appearance,preceding his work on the television series “men In Trees” in 2005: “It was before I worked on Men In Trees in 2005. I think I did a production of Tartuffe. It sounds like a tasty omelette but it’s actually a French play by Moliere. When I started working on Men in Trees I made more money in the first 12 minutes then I had during the three month run of Moliere.”
When asked about his preferred entertainment field, given unlimited resources, tu’s response is clear: “Film is for Directors. Television is for Writers. Stage is for us Actors, the hardest and most deeply satisfying.”
Broadway Dreams: Actor’s Ambitious Post-Seagull Goals
Following a critically acclaimed performance in a recent production of The Seagull, a rising star in the American theater scene has set their sights on a new, ambitious goal: Broadway.
In a recent interview, the actor shared their aspirations, painting a vivid picture of their ideal Broadway experience. “I would love to do a Broadway play,” they stated, their excitement palpable. “I’m not sure it will happen, but it would be amazing to drink champagne and win a Tony. To hang out with Jessica Lange and celebrate in a tuxedo. so… Yes, that’s my near future.”
The actor’s comments highlight the allure of Broadway for many aspiring performers. The dream of a Tony Award, the prestige of performing on the Great White Way, and the chance to collaborate with legendary figures like Jessica Lange represent the pinnacle of achievement for many in the theater world. This ambition resonates deeply with American audiences who have a long-standing captivation with the magic and spectacle of Broadway productions.
While the path to Broadway is notoriously challenging, the actor’s confident and eager outlook suggests a determination to overcome any obstacles. Their recent success in The Seagull provides a strong foundation for their future endeavors, and their clear vision of their ideal Broadway experience serves as a powerful motivator.
The actor’s journey is a testament to the dedication and passion required to succeed in the competitive world of professional theater.Their story is sure to inspire aspiring actors across the country, reminding them that with hard work and unwavering ambition, even the most ambitious dreams can be realized.
LA Awaits: Sasha Alexander and James Tupper Soar in New “Seagull” Production
Legendary actors sasha Alexander and James Tupper take the Los Angeles stage by storm in a captivating new production of Anton Chekhov’s timeless masterpiece, “The Seagull.” This fresh interpretation teems with a star-studded cast, offering a compelling exploration of love, ambition, and artistic expression that resonates with audiences today.
A Familiar Tale with timeless Themes
Set against a picturesque Russian country lake, “the Seagull” unfolds a tangled web of relationships centering around a young aspiring actress, her troubled mother – a renowned actress – her famous playwright boyfriend, and a brooding young man consumed by artistic fervor.
“It is indeed indeed a story that could be told today,” reflects director bruce Katzman,author of “Secrets of Chekhov.” “Every day, wide-eyed young actors arrive in New York or Los Angeles seeking fame and fortune. And every day hearts are broken by disappointment and disillusionment. Anton Chekhov’s landmark play, while written in 1896, resonates 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.”
A Director’s Vision: Bruce Katzman on Bringing “The Seagull” to Life
Intriguingly, Katzman’s initial experience with “the Seagull” was far from inspiring. “My first experience with Chekhov’s ‘The Seagull’ was at a college play. I saw it and frankly experienced total bafflement and a kind of floating boredom. So I thought either I wasn’t able to grasp this classical masterpiece or the production was just absolutely terrible,” he recalls.
What changed his perspective? “Having now worked on the play I’m going all in on the latter,” he laughs.
When asked about identifying with any of the characters, Katzman revealed, “Boris? No, when I last read the play I identified with Treplev. but now I see that Boris Trigorin is a complex and dangerously complex artist.”
James Tupp
This production is a homecoming for James tupper, whose career spans across theater, television, and film. “A girl lives by a lake and she is happy and free like a seagull. Then a man comes by, sees her, and having nothing better to do, destroys her. Oh, and there is a realy really famous and fabulous couple looking a million bucks.”
The birdie tells the story…”The Seagull.”
Tupper elaborates
on the dynamics at play:
“My observation is that the play reminds that sometimes people who have achieved “fame” or “success” have internal struggles that are profound and rarely addressed directly. This play shines a light on those struggles.”
A Fresh Take
This production promises an immersive theatrical experience, blending classic storytelling with a contemporary sensibility. Don’t miss the possibility to witness this remarkable ensemble cast bring Chekhov’s masterpiece to life. The Odyssey Theatre creates a space where audiences can loose themselves in the poignant tale of love, longing, and creative dreams.
