New Century Theatre, Northampton, MA
through June 27, 2015
by Barbara Stroup
Four characters in search of success as fiction writers hire
a writing guru, bond in various ways (not only literary), and occasionally
discuss the meaning of art. “Seminar,” a well-paced play by seasoned playwright
Theresa Rebeck, entertains audiences with some effective one-liners and a bit
of predictability. This well-acted vehicle opens New Century Theatre’s 25th
year, and was received with laughter and appreciation by a nearly full house at
opening night.
Keith Langsdale brings a vituperative interpretation to his
character of Leonard, the writing coach, embellishing the mean-spirited
comments with appropriate physicality. Even when the audience learns its
probable origins, the nastiness seems overdrawn. As his critiques assault each
writer in turn, the blade becomes even sharper.
Myka Plunkett is engaging as Kate, the light-footed, preppy
Bennington graduate and the first writer whose prose suffers Leonard’s attack.
The lancing continues, until there is finally some hope that good art might
exist among these writers. The surprise at the end comes from whose art “wins.”
In the same scene, Kate is unnecessarily diminished. How Rebeck treats both
female characters is a disappointment.
The use of a folk harp for sound, both live and recorded,
enhances the production aurally, as did the use of multiple recorded speeches
during the play’s only and most significant stage change. Often, the audience
finds itself watching Langsdale’s back as he deliveres significant speeches,
thanks either to direction or to set design. Somewhat buried in this script is
some insights about creativity and the courage it takes, a theme worth
addressing that makes the play worth watching.
