Parker Posey, Hari Nef, and a Chekhov reboot for modern times
The Seagull out of the 19th-century Russian countryside to the modern enclave of Woodstock, New York. The New Group’s Off-Broadway production, directed by Scott Elliott, features Parker Posey (Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman), Hari Nef (And Just Like That, Transparent), and a cast of some of New York City’s best character actors for a sharp-tongued takedown of the bourgeoisie and racial inequity.Self-absorbed actress Irene (Posey) and her longtime gay bestie Samuel (David Cale) co-own a summer house upstate, where Irene’s son, Kevin (Nat Wolff), mounts a production of his new solo show starring muse Nina (Alyse Shannon).
Unfortunately, her husband William’s (Ato Essandoh) wandering eyes settle on the young actress — one of several romantically and sexually charged relationships on the grounds.Rich neighbors Darren (Daniel Oreskes) and Pauline (Amy Stiller) hover about, along with their listless, Crocs-wearing daughter Sasha (Neff), dressed in black, who deflects (until she doesn’t) the romantic advances of Mark (Patrick Foley, Circle Jerk), a teacher well-aware of his economically disadvantaged status.A weathered floor-to-ceiling red curtain provides the backdrop for scenic designer Derek McLane’s minimalist design and Qween Jean’s deliciously brand-specific costumes (don’t think we didn’t catch those Prada-Adidas collab sneakers).
Such details amplify Bradshaw’s exploration of the artistic temperament — what and who our culture values and why.“Suppose we had the power to change the rules of our society.
What would happen if we could free ourselves from our constraints?” Nina asks while performing Kevin’s play. But creature comforts can be a tempting gatekeeper, and each of the house’s inhabitants struggles to.
