LACKAWANNA BLUES Previews

Amidst a starry reopening on Tuesday of four long-running musicals, we've got a one-man show to add to the mix. The play Lackawanna Blues begins previews at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre tomorrow night, prior to a September 28th official opening. This 20th anniversary production - starring, written by, and directed by Tony winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Seven Guitars) - marks its Broadway premiere.

"Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson returns to MTC for the Broadway debut of his brilliant solo play celebrating the strong, big-hearted woman who raised him: Miss Rachel. In a 1950s boarding house outside Buffalo, Nanny, as she was affectionately called, opened her doors to anyone and everyone in need of kindness, hope, compassion and care. Giving a tour-de-force performance accompanied by live music written by acclaimed composer Bill Sims, Jr. and performed by Blues Hall of Fame Guitarist Junior Mack, Santiago-Hudson embodies more than 20 vibrant characters, creating a richly textured reminiscence that’s inspiring, uplifting and right at home on Broadway."

Who's going?

In 2005, Ruben Santiago-Hudson adapted his one-man play into a multi-character movie that was directed by George C. Wolfe, with a cast that included not only Santiago-Hudson himself, but also S. Epatha Merkerson, Lou Gossett Jr., Delroy Lindo, and many others. I saw the movie and enjoyed it (I think it’s available on Netflix, worth checking out if it is), now I’m curious to see how it works as a one-man show. I’ll be there on September 23.

The praise on here is absolutely 1000% justified. This was one of the best performances I may have ever seen. This piece is so uniquely inspiring and heartfelt on its on, but add this tour de force performance to it and it’s a night of theatre you’ll be enriched by. I hope it finds its audience too, because man does this performance deserve to be seen. The way Ruben invites an audience into his storytelling is only done by masters in their craft. I’d hand the man all the awards possible right now.

Jordan Levinson said: "Opening night has been pushed back to October 7th, as Ruben Santiago-Hudson recovers from a back injury."

I know it's a one-man show, just surprised there isn't a standby.

What a damn shame he finally gets this show to Bway and injures himself badly enough to cancel so many performances.

ACL2006 said: "I know it's a one-man show, just surprised there isn't a standby."

The assumption is probably that most of the audience would exchange their tickets to see HIM do it, since it's about his life. It's appealing to a niche crowd of theatre buffs, and it's a short run. But even in normal situations, the understudy wouldn't be properly rehearsed until after Opening. And most of the cancelled performances have been scheduled as Press Nights, and they obviously want the critics to see him.

Ruben is absolutely f&cking brilliant, but I'd be interested to see someone else play it. It requires a huge range.

Updated On: 10/7/21 at 11:36 PM

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Daniel M said: "I was there tonight and the bonus concert performance was phenomenal! I wish Ruben a speedy recovery."

Did they cancel the performance after people had already started arriving at the theatre?"

Yes. I must’ve been on line for 20 minutes, and by the time they cancelled the line stretched past the Barrymore. People were getting irritated due to the wait and many left before the concert was announced.