Every now and then, theatre goers have the opportunity to attend a production that can only be described as a masterclass in how to stage a show.
Rogue Theatre achieved this with their interpretation of Theresa Rebeck’s ‘Seminar’.
‘Seminar’ tells the story of 4 aspiring (and very different) novelists attending private classes with a renowned ‘celebrity’ author. That’s it in a nutshell.
However, this fast-paced, witty, very real story delights, engages, and raises all kinds of emotions from the audience.
Running this week in the Players’ Theatre in Trinity, Rogue Theatre, under the direction of Corinna Reichle, became those writers we all know (and some of us are).
You enter the theatre and you’re already in the living room of a plush Manhattan apartment. Props to the set designer! Their choices of furnishings ensure the audience felt like they were in on something, a part of something, and maybe watching things they shouldn’t be watch.
Andre Callanan is superb in his role of the pretentious writer, Douglas, who knows everything and delves far too deep into his content. “Is the interiority or the exteriority?” garnering a good laugh from an audience all too familiar with this sort of person. His movements and pacing meant your eye was on him and you were ready to be irritated by the next thing this “whoarish” writer said.
Sorcha Herlihy becomes Izzy; the boobs first, questions later erotic novelist. Her comedic timing is on point; when she’s not speaking, she’s reacting and Issy’s sexual prowess is there for all to see… Literally, sometimes. A powerhouse of actor, Herlihy is a spot on casting choice for this role and brings so much humour, wit and sex appeal to every scene she is in.
Jane Tuohy as Kate is a central cog in the success of this production. Her New York accent is flawless and every single thing she does on that stage has purpose, meaning, and captures the audience’s attention. The put-upon Kate has been working on her piece for 6 years and Tuohy embodies the stress and indignation of a writer who expected a better critique. She’s fun, she’s witty, and, by God, does she nail this role.
Greg Freegrove plays Martin, the rejected writer who’s actually got talent. He is in love with Izzy and Freegrove’s chemistry with Herlihy is both enjoyable and bloody hilarious with even a not so subtle attempt at a romp behind the couch on stage. Freegrove’s Martin remains upstage for most of the writing seminars, judging, taking in everything that’s happening, all while being too fearful to share his work as the rejections are too much. He is the catalyst to the inhibitor that is John Lawler’s Leonard.
John Lawler fully embodies the role of contemptuous and beaten down teacher Leonard. He owns the stage when he is on it. Each character drawn to him different ways and all, despite denying it, wanting his praise and approval. His condescension puts men off and turns women on. It would be remiss of me not to mention Lawler’s incredible performance of Leonard’s monologue detailing his career. The audience were quieted and some brought to tears and this is a testament to the ability and craft of Lawler honed by Reichle’s direction.
While this may read like a love letter to a production, I stand by every word. Sure, there were some initial opening night nerves at the start but within 5 minutes, each actor had fully relaxed and immersed themselves into their roles and the story.
‘Seminar’ is now completely sold out so to those of you without tickets… I’m sorry but you’ve missed something special.
Congratulations to all the cast and crew because, and especially for a first production, it was seamless, beautiful, funny and had all the heart you expect when you go to the theatre.
