New York certainly hasn't gone begging for Anton Chekhov plays this season, what with Lincoln Center's Ivanov, Moscow's Sovremmenik troupe on Broadway in The Cherry Orchard, and The Seagull transplanted to the Hamptons Off-Broadway. A more traditional Seagull will soon arrive Off-Broadway, courtesy of actor/director Austin Pendleton and the Blue Light Theatre Company. Tom Stoppard's translation of The Seagull will be used in the production, opening May 27 for a run through June 14.
Cast-members will include Angie Phillips (A Flea in Her Ear, All My Sons, Pride's Crossing), Mark Blum (Mizlansky/Zilinsky), Maria Tucci (Filumena, Collected Stories), Greg Naughton, Molly Regan, Alex Draper, Bill Striglos, Joe Ponazecki, Tom Brennan and Francesca DiMauro. Designing the show are Michael Schweikardt (set), John Lassiter (lighting) and Laurie Churba (costumes).
The Seagull follows Blue Light's mounting of Michael Cristofer's Amazing Grace, which ended its scheduled run Apr. 19.
Founded in 1994 to emphasize "language, physical style and ensemble" playing, Blue Light Theatre Company has staged such works as Golden Boy, Scenes From An Execution and Waiting For Lefty.
For tickets ($37.50) and information on The Seagull at Theatre Four call TeleCharge at (212) 239-6200.
-- By David Lefkowitz
and Robert Simonson
