By Samantha Baird
Although The Seagull by Anton Chekhov didn’t thrive in its first production in 1896, it is now recognized as one of Chekhov’s four major plays. It is also DAM Good Productions’ summer show at the BYU Duck Pond in Provo, UT. Based out of Provo, UT, DAM Good Productions is known for producing classic works through a modern lens in found spaces, and this production is no different. This production of Chekhov’s “play within a play” takes the story to new levels through the wonderful acting and inspired production elements, particularly through the setting. The play within The Seagull takes place outside, and with so many mentions of living and growing up in the mountains it is very fitting that scenic designer Elisabeth Goulding chose to place the production outdoors on BYU campus.
One thing that Anton Chekhov is known for is creating diverse characters with various intertwining relationships. As a viewer, this is always a difficult part of Chekhov for me, but dramaturg Pollyanna Eyler overcomes this challenge with her character connections flowchart in the program. This flowchart displays pictures of the actors with their characters names and how they are connected to the other characters in the show. Having this flowchart readily available during the show makes it a much more enjoyable viewing experience.
Being an outdoors show, I was impressed by how well each actor projects so that they can be heard over the nearby stream, wildlife, insects, and city life of Provo. The surrounding atmosphere is stunning. I found Tristan Foster’s Constantine and Courtney Lawson’s Nina to be the most relevant characters in the show. A struggling artist with mental health troubles is something that many can relate to in Utah Valley, and Foster approached the topic with the utmost caution and care. Likewise, the artist at a crossroads of where to go next in their career describes many in a college town, possibly allowing Lawson to play off of personal emotions and/or the emotions of friends and family. Jacob Pierce (Peter Sorin) and Alison Rino (Arkadina) play siblings, and even those without siblings can feel the relationship between the two strongly enough that Pierce and Rino’s performance appears to be nothing short of real life. Having a younger brother, trust me, I know. The most honest and sincere performance I witnessed is Nick Newbold as Boris. The love triangle that he is stuck in made me hurt for all involved, forcing me to remind myself that it is simply a story. Other players in the production include Reyna Shumway as Masha, Jared Harper as Simon, Hyejoon Kim as Paulina, Logan Reid as Dr. Eugene Dorn, Daniel Mesta as Ilya, and Nadine Crosby as Helena the Maid. While the cutting of this production doesn’t allow the audience to see much of these characters, the performances of each one are so clear in their intentions that I was left wishing there was more to see of them onstage.
I am impressed with how well the production team worked with their outdoor resources. Although there are few options for artificial lighting, the use of the setting sun allows the audience the most optimal viewing experience. Denali Linton, lighting designer, moves the stage space and has the audience rotate at intermission to work with the setting sun. Linton also takes advantage of LED battery powered candles and string lights to add light to the stage as the sun finishes setting. The costumes (Daniel Mesta) and hair/makeup (Natalie Herbst) add a modern flair to a play from long ago. The modernity of the costume and hair/makeup designs pulled the attention of people casually strolling by the performance. There were a few occasions where I thought a passerby might stop the performance, accidentally believing the distress onstage was real. The direction by Zoe Trepanier creates a clear comprehensive vision for the show and left me wishing there was more.
The Seagull produced by DAM Good Productions at the BYU Duck Pond in Provo, UT is thought provoking and beautifully creative. Be aware that the stage area is a little bit off the beaten path: up the stairs to the left of the duck pond, not immediately by it. Blankets are provided for comfort, but lawn chairs are permitted if desired. Due to the sophisticated nature of Chekhov and the mention of suicide in the production, this show is suitable for adults and older teenagers able to handle mature situations. There is only one show left, don’t miss your chance to see this incredible show by one of Utah Valley’s newest theatre production companies.
DAM Good Productions Presents The Seagull, by Anton Chekhov.
BYU Duck Pond, 441 E 800 N #403, Provo, UT 84606
August 31, September 6, 2019, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $0.10 Minimum Donation The Seagull Tickets
The Seagull Facebook Page
0 Comments