Director Heidi Helen Davis promises to put a new spin on Chekhov's The Seagull, which opens July 31 at Theatricum Botanicum's open-air theatre and plays through Oct. 16. Davis' cast includes Theatricum's artistic director Ellen Geer as the glamorous but overbearing actress Arkadina, Aaron Hendry as Konstantine Treplev, Abby Crayden as Nina, Sheridan Crist as Trigorin, Melora Marshall as Masha, David Dean as Medvedenko, Laura Gardner as Polita, Leonard Kelly-Young as Dr. Dorn and Terry Evans as Sorin.

"There's all this self-pitying stuff going on in the play," said Davis. "Each character thinks his or her life is not only hard but full of suffering. The humor lies in the fact that these well-off, narcissistic characters are so full of angst even though they're living in a gorgeous place with no serious problems."

Davis' staging of the Chekhov classic will enhance the theme of humanity being dwarfed by to the elements, something that is feasible in an outdoor setting.

Stacey Levno choreographs movement for the production, the set for which was designed by Victoria Profitt. The costumes are by Rae Robinson.

Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga. For tickets and information call (310) 455-3723. -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent