I think Seminar is among my top three favorite new plays that I’ve seen on Broadway so far this season. It’s got a killer cast, it’s one act, and it’s interesting and funny. There are no lighting effects, special effects, cool sets, or anything else to engage you - just great actors and a great script.
Alan Rickman plays Leonard, a famous writer-turned-writing-teacher who is teaching a pricey writing seminar to four young aspiring writers, Douglas (Jerry O’Connell), Martin (Hamish Linklater), Kate (Lily Rabe), and Izzy (Hettienne Park). Leonard is painfully truthful about their work and gives a few (especially Kate) a reality check. Izzy turns out to be the group slut (who sleeps with Leonard). And Martin turns out to be the most talented one in the bunch.
In a surprising turn, Seminar turns out to be Martin’s show as much as it is Leonard’s. Rickman is fantastic and does his usual schtick, but I’ll go as far to say that I liked Linklater even more. He embodies this scattered, nervous writer so believably onstage. I know, that’s what he’s paid to do, that’s what they’re all paid to do. There are so many crap actors out there that I’m surprised nowadays when one actually can act, I suppose.
All I’m trying to say is that Seminar is quick-witted, funny, and a great afternoon at the theatre.
(photo credit: playbill)
