The Seagull/Stupid F**king Bird - review
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Jane Zussman
Oct 5, 2025, 11:40:08 PM (6 days ago) Oct 5
to Jane Zussman
MSU Theatre’s repertory, alternating productions of Anton Chekov’s classic The Sea Gull and Aaron Posner’s Stupid F**king Bird are a fascinating duality. The Sea Gull was a flop when it opened in 1896, but was later revived and appreciated with its diverse, fully developed characters, contrasting with the more stereotypical melodramas of 19th century theatre. Stupid F**king Bird is a modern-day translation/reinterpretation/reflection. Seeing both brings home the universality of this portrait of the human condition.
The Sea Gull was beautifully performed with emotional impact by a fine cast of actors — relatable but with the style of a bygone era, so I could kind on distance myself. The F**king Bird version upped the ante and brought the subtext to the surface and closer to home with reference to today’s angst-inducing conditions — very touching, funny and a little scary.
So do NOT attend either of these excellent shows if you’re looking for cheery entertainment, though there are comic aspects to both. The program notes that, “the cast has been working with College of Arts and Letters Director of Student Wellness, Dr. Jonathan Ritz from the beginning of rehearsal to create a process of de-roling (or cooling down) and support systems for those involved with the show regarding the subject matter contained within.” The online program also includes suicide and crisis phone lines and resources.
Kudos to director of both shows, Rob Roznowski, who notes, "Seeing these plays side by side lets us compare two approaches to the same questions: one rooted in subtlety, the other in bold confrontation. Together they remind us that, across more than a century, we’re still wrestling with love, art, and the need for some form of recognition.”
The Sea Gull and Stupid F**king Bird alternate through October 12 on MSU Auditorium's lower level Arena Stage. (Box office at the Farm-Lane end of the building.)
Remaining Seagull Performance Dates:
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
Thursday, October 9, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 12, 2025 @ 1:00 PM
The Sea Gull was beautifully performed with emotional impact by a fine cast of actors — relatable but with the style of a bygone era, so I could kind on distance myself. The F**king Bird version upped the ante and brought the subtext to the surface and closer to home with reference to today’s angst-inducing conditions — very touching, funny and a little scary.
These are depressing plays, fraught with unrequited love, unrealized dreams and the not-always-successful search for meaning. Its spotlight on failed connection makes its own ironic connection with the audience.
Check out the actors' biographies in the digital program. https://theatre.msu.edu/the-seagull-stupid-fucking-bird/ They all poured their troubled souls on the stage. Is God laughing? Is life both too much and never enough? Is life an unwinnable game?
Check out the actors' biographies in the digital program. https://theatre.msu.edu/the-seagull-stupid-fucking-bird/ They all poured their troubled souls on the stage. Is God laughing? Is life both too much and never enough? Is life an unwinnable game?
So do NOT attend either of these excellent shows if you’re looking for cheery entertainment, though there are comic aspects to both. The program notes that, “the cast has been working with College of Arts and Letters Director of Student Wellness, Dr. Jonathan Ritz from the beginning of rehearsal to create a process of de-roling (or cooling down) and support systems for those involved with the show regarding the subject matter contained within.” The online program also includes suicide and crisis phone lines and resources.
Kudos to director of both shows, Rob Roznowski, who notes, "Seeing these plays side by side lets us compare two approaches to the same questions: one rooted in subtlety, the other in bold confrontation. Together they remind us that, across more than a century, we’re still wrestling with love, art, and the need for some form of recognition.”
The Sea Gull and Stupid F**king Bird alternate through October 12 on MSU Auditorium's lower level Arena Stage. (Box office at the Farm-Lane end of the building.)
Remaining Seagull Performance Dates:
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
Thursday, October 9, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 12, 2025 @ 1:00 PM
Remaining Stupid F##kinging Bird Performance Dates:
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
Friday, October 10, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 12, 2025 @ 6:30 PM
Tickets at https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/the-seagull
Friday, October 10, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 12, 2025 @ 6:30 PM
Tickets at https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/the-seagull
Jane Zussman
G.L.U.T. List
(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)
cell 517-930-0932
http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net To review past emails as they were sent, click “About the G.L.U.T.” and choose “email list” from the drop-down menu — also check out the all-theatres calendar.
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