Broadway welcomed a new comedy to its fold with the November 20 opening of “Seminar” at the John Golden Theatre. The Theresa Rebeck play is a limited engagement, running only through March 4, 2012.
Alan Rickman stars as Leonard, an acclaimed figure in international literary circles who finds himself at the helm of a writing seminar. Under his sharp-tongued tutelage are aspiring novelists Kate (Lily Rabe), Douglas (Jerry O’Connell), Martin (Hamish Linklater) and Izzy (Hettienne Park) — each seeking Leonard’s approval and combating his cutting criticisms in his or her own way.
Director Sam Gold makes his Broadway debut with this critically acclaimed dark comedy, as do O’Connell, Linklater and Park. It also marks the return of Rickman, who previously appeared in “Private Lives” (2002) and “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” (1987), and Labe, who earned accolades for her role in last year’s revival of “The Merchant of Venice.”
“Seminar” began previews October 27 at the Golden Theatre, where attendance has ranged between 78 and 93 percent capacity, according to the Broadway League.
Box office numbers for the play’s final week of previews will be released later today, November 21. But so far, the production has grossed a cumulative $821,817. Regular ticket prices carry face values set from $51.50 to $136.50, while premium seats range from $151.50 to $199.50.
“Seminar” runs about 90 minutes without intermission. Performances are staged Tuesday through Thursday at 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Matinee curtains are at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
John Golden Theatre is located at 252 West 45th Street in New York, NY. More details are available on the official “Seminar” Web site.
Opening Night: “Seminar”
| Publication | Critic | Review |
| Variety | Marilyn Stasio | “Alan Rickman is heaven-sent as the sexy, sneering, snarling literary legend…” |
| New York Times | Ben Brantley | “Brightly acted…” |
| USA Today | Elysa Gardner | “[‘Seminar’] is consistently clever and entertaining — and, under Sam Gold’s briskly intelligent direction, a fine showcase for extraordinary actors.” |
| TheaterMania | Dan Bacalzo | “…engaging — if contrived…” |
| Hollywood Reporter | David Rooney | “This is a virtuoso role for Rickman; it’s to his credit and Gold’s that he makes it an integral part of the ensemble, not a star turn.” |
| New York Post | Elisabeth Vincentelli | “With actors of this caliber delivering the goods, it’s easy to just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.” |
