Don't believe all the hype. This isn't remotely like the 30's Depression and it's not going to be. What it is, however, is economic Darwinism. As someone pointed out earlier in this thread---the weak will die but the strong will survive.
I saw it in Chicago in January and it's a well done lively production--but there is no electricity between Henry and Eliza and the tiny "orchestra" (13/14) is way too small for this big show. "Get Me To The Church Ontime" was the highlight of the night for me.
Well, not just me. The TIMES in it's Oct. 24, 1997 review said TOL is "a flat-footed parade of raunchy double-entendres and double takes that give new meaning to the phrase 'low comedy'." The audience also has a sense of "numbness". "Crude" is also used. I would add "lame, silly and adolescent".
I saw TRIUMPH opening night 1st preview on Broadway with Betty Buckley and F. Murray Abraham. It is one of the worst messes I've ever sat through and unbearably long. Deservedly a short run flop despite the stellar cast. Why anyone would revive it is beyond me.
The Chicago production was never a tour company. It was created as a Chicago company at a cost of $10 million by the original creative team. What happens to it if and when it closes no one knows.
The Chi engagement is seen as a long run sit-down before launching on tour. It could run at the Palace 9 months or more, meaning the rest of the country won't be seeing it until sometime in 2010.
I saw it at Steppenwolf and have to agree with you that if there are any acting awards to be won it will be by Amy Morton, altho the entire cast is stellar. All serious acting students should see A/O. It will be like a master class.