The final (for now) production slated for the current Main Street Stage space is a classic work with a modern, local twist: Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull. It is based on the adaptation by Paul Schmidt and will be set in the present day Berkshires.

One also hopes it will not be the final act of Main Street Stage which has been forced to vacate its space in downtown North Adams due to the shop next door expanding. A search for a new space is underway.

The Seagull at Main Street Stage. Image: Larry Murray

There will be ten performances, and they will run the first three weekends of May at 57 Main Street in North Adams. Tickets are $15 and $10 for students and seniors. Preview tickets are only $10. They can be ordered online at mainstreetstage.org. Previews Thursday and Friday May 5 and 6 at 8pm, with Opening Night Saturday May 7 at 8pm and then Performances Continue: Thursday and Friday May 12 & 13 at 8pm, Sunday May 15 at 7pm, Thursday, Friday, Saturday May 19, 20 & 21 at 8pm and closing Sunday May 22 at 3pm. There is a community “Pay What You Can” performance on May 12.

Under the direction of long-time Main Street Stage member and Director of Barrington Stage’s Playwright Mentoring Project, Frank LaFrazia, a cast of area actors will adapt the setting from the Russian summer getaway to the ever-so-familiar Berkshires summer art scene, bringing immediacy and accessibility to The Seagull. Set designer Juliana Haubrich, and costume designer Vanessa Phelon from On The Verge will be joined by half of Barrington Stage’s”power couple” Jeff Roudabush as the lighting designer and Michael Trainor as the sound designer. The assistant director is Barrington Stage’s wunderkind David Sernick who is also creating video for some multi-media effects.

The production has a solid team at work on the show. It’s another reason this company must survive the loss of its space after so many years.

“First and foremost, The Seagull is a character study of people who cannot see past the tip of their own nose. This character-based comedy is filled with the kind of awkward humor that always strikes home; the same kind of humor that makes TV shows like The Office so popular. Plus the play is infused with beautiful poetry and in-depth analyses of the human condition as only Chekhov can deliver them. Is it a comedy? A tragedy? Does a play written in 1895 Russia taking place in the countryside outside of Moscow relate to 21st century Western Mass? Answers: Yes, yes, and yes.” Frank LaFrazia

The cast will feature Main Street Stage members Barby Cardillo (Twelfth Night, RBIT), David Lane (director of Like Home, RBIT), Kelli Newby (Romeo and Juliet, Redroom Curator) Wendy Walraven (On the Verge, director Baltimore Waltz), Jack Sleigh (Baltimore Waltz, Twelfth Night), Eric K. Auld (MSS One-Act Play Festival, Twelfth Night), Todd Hamilton (On the Verge, Marcus is Walking) local newcomer Ross Jacobs (Mill City Productions- Dolly West’s Kitchen) , as well as MCLA students Leandra Sharron (Redroom, As You Like It) and Jed Krivisky (As You Like It, The Mouse that Roared).

More information and reservations can be made by calling 413-663-3240 or by visiting. www.mainstreetstage.org. You can also follow the production and get behind-the-scenes details at blog.mainstreetstage.org.