Little Charles's Song (AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY)

[MiracleElixir]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 7:42pm

Perhaps because the more striking/memorable elements of the show overwhelm it, but I can't recall a single review (or board-poster, but I could be wrong) mentioning the moment in AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY when Little Charles plays his song he wrote for Ivy on the harmonium.

Seeing the show again yesterday reminded me what a powerful, moving moment it is. Not only is it a representation of the one untarnished, unabashedly loving relationship on display, it's also perhaps the single moment of serene quiet in the whole three and a half hours.

Until Mattie Fae interrupts with "Liberace, get yourself together, we're heading back," it's really our only moment bereft of striking revelations, uproarious laughter or overwhelming sadness. I was just wondering if it struck as much of a chord for anyone else, as I never really hear mention made of it...
Updated On: 8/29/08 at 07:42 PM

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 3:02am

I finally saw the show tonight for the first time, and also thought the moment was quite touching (and surprising, since I had read the script and didn't remember that part. Is it new?)

[Kungaloosh1937]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 3:37am

It's in the script in that they mention that Little Charles plays and sings a song. What song is not mentioned. No lyrics, no music.

Guess it's director's choice. Odd...

I'd recommend they go with what Shapiro chose.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 10:55am

Although it is quite a tender moment, I actually find that it is the one time that the forward momentum of the play comes to an almost complete stop. I am sure that was Letts' intent, as he has so much control throughout.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 11:17am

I loved the song, especially the way geeky, huge-headed but weirdly sexy Ian Barford sang it.

[Broadwayboy2631]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 1:38pm

That song is painfully sweet. The dramatic irony in that scene is great.

[MiracleElixir]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 10:20pm

"Although it is quite a tender moment, I actually find that it is the one time that the forward momentum of the play comes to an almost complete stop."

Just curious, is that necessarily a negative thing? To me, it's the one time we get to take a breather, a break from emotional exhaustion, and it's almost impossibly moving as such... until later revelations render it more sad than happy.

[MiracleElixir]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 10:25pm

Oh, and for those who are interested -- from Letts' published text:


LITTLE CHARLES: Come here. You can help me push the pedals.

(She sits besides him on the piano bench.)

I wrote this for you.

(He plays, and quietly sings a gentle but quirky love song. Midway through, Mattie Fae enters from the kitchen, breaking the spell, Charlie in tow)

MATTIE FAE: Liberace. Get yourself together, we're heading back.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 10:53pm

I didn't say it was a negative thing.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 8/30/08 at 12:52am

So pardon my ignorance, is the song he sings a known song? I thought Letts might have composed it himself. Guess not.