Seminar keeps you in your seat

OK, this is probably going to be the most pointless review ever because all I have to say that Seminar at Actor’s Express is so good on every single level. The directing choices by Freddie Ashley are perfect, the design (scenic and costume) by Phillip Male and Elizabeth Rasmusson is perfect, and the acting by Andrew Benator, Barrett Doyle, Cara Mantella, David Plunkett, and Bryn Striepe is perfect.

Alright, now on to a few specifics.

Seminar is a spot on play about writers. It follows four writers in a high-priced writers seminar taught by a big wig, asshole of a writer. There is no way that Theresa Rebeck could have written this play so accurately unless she herself attended an MFA program – which she did. The personalities that she chose to highlight within each student writer, sure leave out a few that I have encountered (but you can’t have it all), literally are the extreme versions of true selves that you would encounter in university, in a workshop, at an event. There is the mousy, not outwardly attractive writer that just tolls away on innocent little babblings that include a love affair with Jane Austen until someone rocks her fucking world and she writes something worth while, something filled with the life she just woke up to. This character was Kate, and what a perfect name for a perfectly eased out character needing a big bad world reality check. Cara Mantella played her to every little heartbreaking and hooray, you go girl moment. Sure, she turned against her feminist ideals for aid from a writer with a dick and clout, but she finally entered the game.

Then you have the the nerdy, prep school guy who comes from a family that is connected in the writing world. He is already on his way to greatness and throws around names, thoughts and writers retreats so much you want to slit his throat. David Plunkett put on his bow tie and seriously manned down for Douglas. He played the writer who relies on no balls, but family ties to get him through, and yes it works. His writing is soft, because, well, he is.

Of course there has to be the slut, because isn’t there always one. It’s the girl who knows that her vagina will actually work to her advantage. Yes, her writing is good. It’s sexually charge, witty and fresh, but that will only take you so far in a literary universe still dominated by dick. Izzy, played by Bryn Striepe, is smart, sad, but knows how to work an unfair system.

And the last of the students is, Martin. Played by Barrett Doyle, who I just have to say I have seen in multiple shows now but finally in Seminar I have seen him reach his true stride. Martin is the extremely talented introvert whose talent he keeps close to the cuff because of insecurity and fear. He’s broke, horny, and not ready, yet, to hop on the dick sucking train to writerly prestige.

But we can’t forget about the teacher. Andrew Benator as Leonard made me squirm, have flash backs to horrid workshop moments, and played a headstrong, over-confident, beat you down till you produce greatness, teacher. He is the epitome of what makes great writers out of average writers and why settings like these are necessary, although terrifying, for young writers about to hit the real world of writing and publishing. He is full of crudeness and truth. And although, a little hard to see and get too, heart.

If you are a writer, Seminar will make you say, “Oh my God, that is so true.” And at the same time remind you why you love this over-saturated and under-appreciated field. Writer or not, go see it. It will not disappoint and you might just want to see it again so you can constantly quote the ridiculous “feral cat” references.

Seminar is running at Actor’s Express till June 16. For tickets and show times, visit actors-express.com.