Susan Granger’s review of “Seminar” (Golden Theater 2011-2012 season)
Alan Rickman delivers a tour-de-force performance in this witty, provocative new comedy by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Peabody Award winner Theresa Rebeck, whose experience as writer/producer on “NYPD Blue” and “Law and Order: Criminal Intent” has given her an ear for edgy character conflict and snappy dialogue.
In a chic Manhattan apartment, four wannabe writers sign up for private coaching classes with Leonard (Rickman), an internationally-acclaimed novelist and editor. Forking over $5,000 each, they submit their works-in-progress which Leonard dispassionately slices-and-dices, explaining that they have to learn to face rejection and failure before they can even hope to succeed in the literary field.
But his acerbic critiques often go beyond evaluations, deeply wounding their psyches and eroding their confidence. That includes pampered Kate (Lily Rabe), the WASPy princess whose work is initially eviscerated; her high school pal Martin (Hamish Linklater), who never lets anyone see his scribblings; calculating Izzy (Hettienne Park) who uses her feminine wiles to get what she thinks she wants; and pretentious Douglas (Jerry O’Connell), whose fictional work has already achieved some recognition.
Directed by Obie Award winner Sam Gold, making in his Broadway debut, the superb acting ensemble is dominated by Alan Rickman, whose relentlessly tart diatribe never loosens its grip. David Zinn’s costume and set design complement the concept. And it’s hard not to compare “Seminar” with Terrence McNally’s similarly structured “Master Class,” in which Maria Callas dissects the talent of aspiring singers while reflecting on her own career and the challenges of pursuing a life in the arts.
Firmly ensconced at the Golden Theater, “Seminar” runs approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes and is performed without an intermission.