The Seagull presented by Eclectic Full Contact Theatre at Athenaeum Theatre

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...It’s difficult for me to completely decide how I feel about this production. On one hand, this is one of the most clearly told productions of a Chekhov story I’ve seen and it made me laugh (quite a bit actually). On the other hand, this production clearly missed the boat on some of the deeper emotional moments of the play and thus left me wanting. It’s frustrating to watch a promising production fall short, but I have to hope and think they’ll be able to find the necessary depth to make this production truly soar as they continue to grow into the run."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Director Jacylnn Jutting, although she sometimes struggled to block her actors effectively, has chosen a great translation by Christopher Hampton, and although she sometimes succeeds in the hardest task in Chekov ,which is to balance the highly comic nature of the character’s intercourse ,with the play’s tragic conclusion. She did an excellent job with the direction of the tech work as wel.l This is important as Chekov’s plays can be extremely hard to stage, especially in a smaller spaces, because they occur in more than one place. However, set (Pat Iven), Light Design (Julie Mack) and Property Design (Justin Atkinson) manage this admirably convincing us through various props and shades of lighting that we are either outside on the grounds of a vast estate or inside elegant dining rooms."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...This is, all together, a very enjoyable and competent production of a theatrical classic. Whether it’s the theatergoer’s first visit with Chekov or a repeat performance, this fine production features several excellent and very fine performances that feel honest and realistic. Chekov’s story of artistic and romantic conflict offers memorable characters, several laughs and a dose of bittersweet sadness. It’s an enjoyable production well worth the journey to this Russian lake house."