Review: ‘The Seagull: Malibu’ at Theatricum Botanicum
- Anthony Gutierrez
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
Theatricum Botanicum Artistic Director Ellen Geer has cleverly reworked Anton Chekhov’s play “The Seagull,” setting it in 1970s Malibu, California. The sprawling outdoor stage of the Theatricum, set back against the hillside beneath the trees, makes for a lovely setting. Geer manages to make the classic work even more entertaining while keeping the spirit of Chekhov alive. Save for the wooden benches (you’ll regret not spending the couple of bucks for a seat cushion), be prepared for a lovely evening of outdoor theatre.
The vast real estate available on stage is effectively utilized by the cast. Perched high above stage left for the audience to see, budding actress Nina (Caroline Quigley) performs an experimental work by ambitious young playwright Constantine (Christopher Glenn Gilstrap). Successful author Trigger Hale (Rajiv Shah) returns from fishing on a lofty balcony above stage right, from which he descends the stairs to join Nina.
All throughout, characters can be seen clambering up and down the hillside and hollering to characters from behind the stage. Without it feeling frantic or chaotic, the actors make their way to every available space to perform.
The robust ensemble of characters is also well acted by a talented cast. All are colorful and distinct thanks to costume design by Vicki Conrad. Irina Arkadina (played audaciously by Michelle Jasso) is subtly but unmistakably styled as a glamorous 1970s Hollywood star. The men are outfitted with flared denim, leather vests and flowing shirts. Combined with the wooded outdoor setting, it is easy to imagine having traveled back in time.
And Chekhov’s original text also gets an update for this 70s-inspired rendition. Rubles are converted to dollars, Arkadina works out to disco music and Constantine’s avant-garde production warns of the impending crisis of global warming. The changes make the characters and situations a bit more relatable to a modern audience, but Chekhov’s ideas remain strong in the story.
While the characters twist themselves up in a complex geometry of love, they explore the many facets of being an artist: Can an artist have happiness and success? Is the compulsion to create a blessing or a curse? If an artist’s love is art, what becomes of those that love the artist? “The Seagull: Malibu” under the night sky in Topanga is a good place to find out.
“The Seagull: Malibu” continues through Oct. 5 at Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, with roughly two performances per week alternating with other shows. For full schedule, tickets and other information, visit Theatricum.com or call the box office at 310-455-3723. Tickets start at $15.
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