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Seminar 2011

Run Time:
1 hour and 30 minutes, with no intermission
Opened: November 20, 2011
Closing: May 06, 2012

Seminar - 2011 Broadway History , Info & More

In SEMINAR, four aspiring young novelists sign up for private writing classes with Leonard, an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this biting new comedy.


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PREVIEW Seminar - 2011 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Seminar

Shredding Egos, One Semicolon at a Time
7 / 10

Finally there comes a turning point, about an hour and 15 minutes into the show, when Mr. Rickman is allowed to embody something more than brisk intellectual sadism. Handed a really good piece of writing by one of his students, Leonard responds with a quietly potent mix of antagonism, humility, fear and something like joy. Of course this mélange of feelings, magnificently orchestrated by Mr. Rickman, is arrived at after Leonard has only glanced at the first couple of pages of a vast manuscript. But for the first time I felt an authentic rush of pleasure and the exhilaration of being reminded that in theater, art comes less from landing lines than in finding what lies between them.

Review: Seminar
10 / 10

There’s always danger when writers lampoon the publishing world: You never believe their wünderkinds are so wonderful, and they tend to burlesque bad writing beyond credibility. The acid test comes when someone reads aloud a passage that is purportedly genius or dreck. Rebeck wisely curtails recitation of manuscripts. Instead we watch as Rickman’s Leonard—being paid $20K to teach a ten-week intensive course at the Upper West Side apartment of Kate (Rabe)—as he pages through student submissions. A curl of the lip, a twitch of the eyebrow, a flare of the nostrils: These nonverbal signals speak volumes. Out of small gestures and that slurry, violoncello delivery, Rickman crafts one of the most vivid, dimensional stage monster in years: a burnt-up monument to cynicism and appetite who beds his students when not pulverizing their egos. Rickman gives the comic performance of the season.

SEMINAR Closes on Broadway Today, May 6
by BWW News Desk - May 6, 2012


SEMINAR, the acclaimed comedy by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Peabody Award winner Theresa Rebeck (Mauritius, The Understudy, Omnium Gatherum, "NYPD Blue," NBC's hit series "Smash") and directed by Obie Award winner Sam Gold (Circle Mirror Transformation, The Big Meal, Look Back in Anger), will play its final Broadway performance in today's matinee, May 6. The World Premiere production opened on Sunday, November 20, 2011 and will have played a total of 191 performances and 26 previews at The Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street).

SEMINAR to Close on Broadway May 6
by Robert Diamond - May 1, 2012


SEMINAR, the acclaimed comedy by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Peabody Award winner Theresa Rebeck (Mauritius, The Understudy, Omnium Gatherum, "NYPD Blue," NBC's hit series "Smash") and directed by Obie Award winner Sam Gold (Circle Mirror Transformation, The Big Meal, Look Back in Anger), will play its final Broadway performance in this Sunday's matinee, May 6. The World Premiere production opened on Sunday, November 20, 2011 and will have played a total of 191 performances and 26 previews at The Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street).

Photo Flash: SEMINAR Cast Unveils New Pizza at Two Boots!
by Kelsey Denette - April 13, 2012


Several Cast members from SEMINAR, now playing at The Golden Theatre, appeared at Two Boots in their Theater District Neighborhood location to sample the new SEMINAR-inspired pizza. The new slice will be called The Cross-Dressing Gang Leader (named after a reference in the play) and includes a white Grandma crust with Tasso, Red Onions and a criss-cross of Red & Green Pesto. See photos below!

Photo Flash: First Look at Jeff Goldblum, Justin Long & Zoe Lister-Jones in SEMINAR
by Harmony Wheeler - April 9, 2012


On April 3, Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Jeff Goldblum (The Pillowman, Jurassic Park, Independence Day, "Law & Order: Criminal Intent"), Justin Long (He's Just Not That Into You, The Break Up, Live Free or Die Hard, Dodgeball, "Ed"), and Zoe Lister-Jones (The Little Dog Laughed, The Marriage of Bette and Boo) took their official opening night bows in SEMINAR, by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Peabody Award winner Theresa Rebeck (Mauritius, Omnium Gatherum, "NYBD Blue," "Smash"). Check out the latest production photos below!

Photo Coverage: Jeff Goldblum, Justin Long & Zoe Lister-Jones Take Premiere Bow in SEMINAR!
by Walter McBride - April 4, 2012


Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Jeff Goldblum (The Pillowman, Jurassic Park, Independence Day, 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent'), Justin Long (He's Just Not That Into You, The Break Up, Live Free or Die Hard, Dodgeball, 'Ed'), and Zoe Lister-Jones (The Little Dog Laughed, The Marriage of Bette and Boo) head the cast of the Broadway season's hit comedy SEMINAR, by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Peabody Award winner Theresa Rebeck (Mauritius, Omnium Gatherum, 'NYBD Blue,' NBC's new hit series 'Smash') beginning Tuesday, April 3.

STAGE TUBE: Jeff Goldblum Talks SEMINAR on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon'
by Caryn Robbins - April 3, 2012


Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park, Independence Day, 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent'), appeared on last night's 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon' to discuss his starring role in Broadway's SEMINAR. Goldblum assumes the role of Leonard in the play tonight, April 3 for an 8-week run.

Alan Rickman Departs SEMINAR Tonight; Jeff Goldblum to Join Cast!
by BWW News Desk - April 1, 2012


Two-time Tony Award nominee, Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner Alan Rickman (Private Lives, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the Harry Potter franchise) will play his final performance on Sunday, April 1 in SEMINAR by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Peabody Award winner Theresa Rebeck (Mauritius, The Understudy, Omnium Gatherum, NBC's new hit series "Smash"), directed by Obie Award winner Sam Gold (Circle Mirror Transformation, The Aliens, Kin, The Coward).

TV: SEMINAR's Jeff Goldblum, Justin Long, Zoe Lister-Jones Meet the Press!
by Harmony Wheeler - March 29, 2012


Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Jeff Goldblum (The Pillowman, Jurassic Park, Independence Day, 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent'), Justin Long (He's Just Not That Into You, The Break Up, Live Free or Die Hard, Dodgeball, 'Ed'), and Zoe Lister-Jones (The Little Dog Laughed, The Marriage of Bette and Boo) will join the cast of the Broadway comedy SEMINAR, by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Peabody Award winner Theresa Rebeck (Mauritius, Omnium Gatherum, 'NYBD Blue,' NBC's new hit series 'Smash') beginning Tuesday, April 3. The new cast just met the press, and BroadwayWorld was there for the big event! Check out video with full coverage below!

Photo Coverage: SEMINAR's Jeff Goldblum, Justin Long, Zoe Lister-Jones Meet the Press!
by Walter McBride - March 29, 2012


Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Jeff Goldblum (The Pillowman, Jurassic Park, Independence Day, "Law & Order: Criminal Intent"), Justin Long (He's Just Not That Into You, The Break Up, Live Free or Die Hard, Dodgeball, "Ed"), and Zoe Lister-Jones (The Little Dog Laughed, The Marriage of Bette and Boo) will join the cast of the Broadway season's hit comedy SEMINAR, by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Peabody Award winner Theresa Rebeck (Mauritius, Omnium Gatherum, "NYBD Blue," NBC's new hit series "Smash") beginning Tuesday, April 3. The new cast just met the press, and BroadwayWorld wa sthere for the big event! Check out photos of the new group below!

STAGE TUBE: Jeff Goldblum on His Upcoming SEMINAR Role!
by Sally Henry Fuller - March 27, 2012


Broadway and film star Jeff Goldblum will assume the role of Leonard in SEMINAR on April 3. In the video below, he encourages fans to come and see him in this 'spectacular show.'

Photo Flash: SEMINAR and Givenik Host Benefit Reception for Lark Play Development Center
by Kelsey Denette - March 22, 2012


Yesterday, March 21st, SEMINAR partnered with Givenik.com for a special post-performance reception for audience and cast members at Glass House Tavern (252 West 47th Street). The evening helped to support the Lark Play Development Center. View photos below!

STAGE TUBE: Inside The SEMINAR Photo Shoot
by Harmony Wheeler - March 20, 2012


Two-time Tony Award nominee, Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner Alan Rickman (Private Lives, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the Harry Potter franchise) will play his final performance on Sunday, April 1 in SEMINAR by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Peabody Award winner Theresa Rebeck (Mauritius, The Understudy, Omnium Gatherum, NBC's new hit series "Smash"), directed by Obie Award winner Sam Gold (Circle Mirror Transformation, The Aliens, Kin, The Coward). Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Jeff Goldblum will make his return to Broadway when he assumes the leading role of 'Leonard' on Tuesday, April 3 for 8 weeks only. Visit the photo shoot for SEMINAR on Broadway as Jerry O'Connell interviews fellow cast members Jeff Goldblum, Justin Long and Zoe Lister-Jones. Check out the behind the scenes video below!

SEMINAR Partners With Givenik.com for Tomorrow's Performance
by Kelsey Denette - March 20, 2012


Tomorrow, March 21st, SEMINAR will partner with Givenik.com for a special post-performance reception for audience and cast members at Glass House Tavern (252 West 47th Street). The evening will help support the Lark Play Development Center.

STAGE TUBE: JERRY O'CONNELL Announces Charity Night at SEMINAR March 21 for Givenik
by Christina Mancuso - March 16, 2012


Jerry O'Connell, star of the Broadway play, SEMINAR, announces a special charity event through Givenik.com, donating 5% of proceeds from all ticket sales for the March 21st performance to Lark Play Development Center. Watch his YouTube video promotion here!

SHATNER'S WORLD Opens at Pantages Theatre
by BWW News Desk - March 10, 2012


Television and movie legend William Shatner will bring his one man show SHATNER'S WORLD: WE JUST LIVE IN IT (www.shatnersworld.com) to the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, CA for one performance only on March 10 at 8pm. Tickets go on sale February 4th at 10:00 a.m. The show comes to L.A. direct from Broadway, where it will play a three week run at the Broadway's Music Box Theatre from February 14 - March 4.

Zoe Lister-Jones to Join Jeff Goldblum, Justin Long in SEMINAR, 4/3
by Nicole Rosky - March 6, 2012


Zoe Lister-Jones (The Little Dog Laughed, The Marriage of Bette and Boo, her own Codependence Is a Four-Letter Word, Salt, Breaking Upwards, NBC's "Whitney," Fox Searchlight's upcoming Lola Versus) will join Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Jeff Goldblum (The Pillowman, Jurassic Park, Independence Day, "Law & Order: Criminal Intent") and Film and Television star Justin Long (He's Just Not That Into You, The Break Up, Live Free or Die Hard, Dodgeball, "Ed") beginning Tuesday, April 3 in the cast of the Broadway season's hit comedy SEMINAR by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Peabody Award winner Theresa Rebeck (Mauritius, Omnium Gatherum, "NYBD Blue," NBC's new hit series "Smash").

Justin Long to Make Broadway Debut in SEMINAR April 3
by Nicole Rosky - March 1, 2012


Film and Television star Justin Long (He's Just Not That Into You, The Break Up, Live Free or Die Hard, Dodgeball, "Ed") will make his Broadway debut when he joins Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Jeff Goldblum (The Pillowman, Jurassic Park, Independence Day, "Law & Order: Criminal Intent") beginning Tuesday, April 3 in the season's hit comedy SEMINAR by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Peabody Award winner Theresa Rebeck (Mauritius, Omnium Gatherum, "NYBD Blue," NBC's new hit series "Smash"). Directed by Obie Award winner Sam Gold (Circle Mirror Transformation, The Aliens, Kin, the current Look Back in Anger), SEMINAR plays at The Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street).

STAGE TUBE: Alan Rickman Talks SEMINAR on THE VIEW!
by Nicole Rosky - February 29, 2012


In SEMINAR, four aspiring young novelists (Lily Rabe, Hamish Linklater, Jerry O'Connell and Hettienne Park) sign up for private writing classes with Leonard (Mr. Rickman), an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this provocative new comedy. In the video below, ALan Rickman stops by 'The View,' where he chatted with the ladies about the show, the 2012 Tony Awards, and more. Click below to watch his full interview!

Photo Flash: SEMINAR Celebrates 100 Performances on Broadway!
by Kelsey Denette - February 21, 2012


The show celebrated 100 performances on Wednesday, February 15. Check out a snapshot of the celebration, complete with Insomnia Cookies, below!

Seminar History

Other Productions of Seminar

2011   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway

Seminar - 2011 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2012 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Leading Actor in a Play Alan Rickman
2012 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Lily Rabe
2012 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Alan Rickman
2012 Drama League Awards Distinguished Production of a Play 0
2012 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Broadway Play 0
2012 Theatre World Awards Outstanding Debut Performance Hettienne Park

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