The Seagull Takes Wing at The Odyssey

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The Seagull Takes Wing at The Odyssey by Genie Davis

The Seagull, one of Chekhov’s most popular plays, is here in Los Angeles at The Odyssey Theatre in an extended run through February 23rd. The production is a don’t-miss directed by Chekhov expert and actor Bruce Katzman, author of Secrets of Chekhov, and stars Sasha Alexander of Rizzoli and Isles, NCIS, and Shameless as Arkadina, and James Tupper of Revenge, Big Little Lies, Grey’s Anatomy, Men in Trees,  FBI, and The Irrational, as Trigorin. The exciting production offers a timeless performance about chasing love and mourning its passing.

Stay tuned for a review of this production, but we were delighted to speak with the director and stars. Asked why The Seagull is such a special play, Katzman explained “The play is 126 years old yet it is unbelievably modern. Chekhov had his finger on the pulse of the human heart, and the characters in The Seagull might very well be people you read about in the gossip columns of today in New York or Los Angeles. The lure of celebrity, the dreams of a country girl who wants to be famous, the frustration of a son who can’t compete with his mother’s stardom and can’t find his own artistic path, the futile pursuit of love in all the wrong places! Audiences still laugh and cry with recognition. They see themselves, their neighbors and their family in this play.”

Katzman adds that he wants audiences to know the play and this production are “100% accessible. The name of Chekov, like the name of Shakespeare, sometimes intimidates modern theatre-goers and they’re afraid they won’t understand what’s going on, or that hte language will be difficult, or the story will go over their heads. But in our production you understand everything. And it’s a brisk two hours! We have not cut anything, but it is not a boring and tedious ‘period piece.’ It is fun!” he enthuses.

According to Katzman, he’s experienced “two great pleasures” in directing this production. “First, to assemble a cast of newcomers and oldtimers who have blended themselves into a beautiful ensemble; and having earned the trust of that ensemble, that they would help me realize my vision of the play. The great payoff has been to witness audiences night after night sit in utter silence to see the story unfold. You can hear a pin drop most of the time, except when they are howling with laughter! Perfect Chekhov.”

Lead actress Sasha Alexander says what inspires her most about the production and her role in it is the fact that she has always wanted to be a part of The Seagull. “I loved meeting Bruce and James initially, we got along well and I felt safe to go on this journey with them. I have enjoyed James’ work for years and with Bruce’s Chekhov expertise, I knew they would be the right team to dive into this with. They have assembled a wonderful cast, so many young talents, and Bruce’s interpretation of the play has made it contemporary and accessible to a wide range of audience.”

Co-star James Tupper concurs and adds “I’m inspired by the level of writing. The cast who are each super in their own way — and by the chocolate for sale at the Odyssey concession.  Salted Caramel Chocolate feels a lot like love,” he laughs.

Alexander attests that she loves her role as Arkadina. “She is a complicated woman who swings many ways throughout the play, emotionally. But she is tough and smart and a survivor. I like that. That’s what inspires me the most – the challenge of the role and just getting to perform this classic with so many beautiful artists.”

She finds that Arkadina is a challenging role on many levels. “The narcissism, trauma and performative parts of her character are swinging constantly, making it a truly diffcult experience every time we perform the play. But the relationship she has with her lover, Trigorin, her son, and her brother are complicated and rich. So many things to discover and play with. I love doing it and it is never the same, which is so inspiring and satisfying. It’s been one of the most wonderful acting experiencesof my life.”

Tupper describes his favorite part of the play as “The fight scene Sasha and I have in the middle of the play.  Don’t worry, it’s very funny and I think every married couple might relate. Also it’s fun to pretend to be a very famous person, even if it’s only for two hours, four times a week.”

Director Bruce Katzman’s full cast includes Sasha Alexander, James Tupper, Parker Sack, Cece Kelly, Carlos Carrasco, Carolyn Crotty, Joe Hulser, Will Dixon, Brianna Bryan, Matthew Hartley, Lukas Jann, and Hannah May Howard. The production is co-produced by Katzman, Tupper, and Crotty.

Extended through Feb. 23, the remaining performances are Thursdays Feb. 13; Feb. 20; Fridays Feb. 14; Feb. 21, Saturdays
Feb. 15; Feb. 22, and Sunday afternoons Feb. 16; Feb.23.  Those attending can stay for post-show Talkbacks on February 23rd.
The Odyssey Theatre is located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Los Angeles.

  • Genie Davis; photos provided by the production.

MAS Attack – A Mutual Appreciation Society Art Pop Up for Our Times

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Community. Caring. Loads of love and sharp, social commentary art.  Conceived and curated by Torrance Art Museum director Max Presneill, this was one special evening at TAM, radiating with a sense of support and jubilant joy even in the face of uncertain (at best) times. LaLena Lewark-Presneill DJ’d; Jorin Bossen and Mark Fisher assisted; docent Katherine Orlin manned the desk.

While art on the wall might suggest “the end” times “…and scene,” this was the start of a really big scene of terrific art – over 300 artworks in all, from sculptures to paintings, photography, mixed media, and everything in between – and phenomenal art loving support with between 700 and 800 attendees. In three short, super fun hours on a very lucky Friday the 13th for all who came, a feast of art and happiness was on the table.

I didn’t get to say hi to all of you – and I missed some works – but here is somewhat of a compilation of terrific art.

If you were there, relive the glorious experience; if you were not, now you can pretend you were.

And share this story! We have no pay wall – so spread the love on and around.

  • Genie Davis; photos, Genie Davis

Odie Leigh Rocks Out at Echoplex

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At a powerhouse concert at the Echoplex in Echo Park a week ago, indie folk artist Odie Leigh edged her way into rockin’  pop with a touch of slightly gritty punky edge.

Through her tight, 15 song playlist, Leigh’s voice was impeccable, her lyrics often darkly romantic and powerfully intense – and even occasionally lighthearted and whimsical, as was the case with “All Star Breakfast,” a gentle Americana love song duet performed with her friend Field Medic.

Playing a mix of songs from her Carrier Pigeon albumn, and older tunes such as her poignant “Crop Circles,” a viral hit on TIkTok,  Leigh might remind the audience of a young Lucinda Williams or Fiona Apple – the former, perhaps at least a bit, because of their shared Louisiana roots – but she is uniquely her own.

Melodic yet powerful, commanding on stage yet comfortably interactive with the audience, Leigh’s songs vibrated with a heady mix of sorrow and fun, determination and wonder.

Highlights of the strong set at Echoplex included heartfelt lyrics, a lively band to support her sounds, and a general upbeat vibe even when musing about loss and vulnerability. While the band supported her on most cuts, she did perform some songs solo, including the delicately wistful “Crop Circles.”

From the contagiously singable chorus in her “Chutes and Ladders”  – “I’ll prеtend love’s Chutes and Ladders/’Til the game stops playing me” to the edgy rocker “My Name on A T-Shirt,” in which she sings “I wanna know how this one еnds…”
Well in Leigh’s case, listeners won’t want this to end at all.

Vibrant, soulful even, and still retaining some of that Americana lyricism, long may Leigh rock – and roll out whatever musical alchemy may come next.

Opening act Clover County was no slouch either, offering rich vocals and sweetly melodic sounds with a strong mix of indie folk and country sounds with themes of heartbreak and modern love.

The Georgia native has a smooth yet intimate style that warmed the audience in the best way – winning those unfamiliar with her hopeful melodies and raw breakup stories to ask for one more song before she left the stage.

  • Genie Davis; photos: Jack Burke, Genie Davis

 

Descanso Gardens Blossoms with Holiday Light

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Now through January 5th, catch a glimpse of the illuminated trees, gorgeous stained glass houses, and waves of color shifting tulips that make up Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens in Pasadena.

This fairytale of a holiday light show uses elements of the gardens as part of its tableau. The singing tulip fields are first on view, charming as music shifts and colors change in waves; they are a returning favorite.

We pass through a tunnel of stars followed by a series of beautifully patterned lanterns colored in fushias and gold. Created by HYBYCOZO, these are delicate and astonishing, seemingly as ephemeral as the delicate woven shadows they cast.

Visitors move into a section of tall, coast live oak trees with musical steps around them – tap your feet to summon a bell-like sound.

Afterwards, illuminated “park benches” provide a rest and the chance to take in an entire field of stained glass houses created by artist Tom Fruin. Some are large enough to enter; some are themed with illuminated playing card patterns, four leaf clovers and the like, while others present orderly geometric patterns, or collage like colors. One floats like a lilypad of light on a small lake.

A field of golden light filaments wavers near by; wire fencing holding swirly abstract flourescent tubing rise adjacent to real, headily scented roses. Fountains glow; a large full faux moon rises above and reflects in a royal blue-lit pond and waterfall. In the Japanese garden, red lanterns cast a seductive glow.

Finally, there’s a wonderful and hushed magical forest, with soft sound effects played live and echoing through speakers in the woods. Here, fairy-like sparks flick between the higher branches, a chandelier is suspended from a towering limb; and in the “sacred sanctuary,” the final stop on the walk, the scents of fecund forest and recent rain petrichor add to the magic.

Carolers, classical quartets, and solo cello players appear at intervals create additonal aural pleasures. Guests can purchase hot chocolate, coffee, or tea or headier adult fare along with sweet treats and snacks in several different food areas.

Advance ticket purchase is required.  Discounted admission of $10–$22 tickets on Dec. 2–3 and Dec. 9–10;  other dates, adult ticket prices range from $15–38 (members) to $22–45 (non-members) with children’s tickets (2-12) priced at $10–23 (members)
$17–30 (non-members); prices vary by date. The exhibition is held from 5:30-10 p.m. nightly,  closed Nov. 28 and Dec. 24–25.

  • Genie Davis; photos by Genie Davis