Death of A Salesman -- deftly examines the widespread and omnipresent obsession nearly all Americans have with the American dream and what happens to those who are incapable of achieiving it.
Angels in America -- a panaramic study of the last quarter century of American history touching on issues of race, class, gender, sexuality, illness and religion, pointedly critiquing an evil and corrupt conservative power stucture more concerned with amassing power than helping its citizens (and is still very much with us)
Joe Turner's Come and Gone (and several other August Wilson plays) -- a potent rumination on slavery (which some have called this country's "original sin"), Jim Crow and the lasting effects and wounds it continues to inflict.
Our Town -- a uniquely American view of life in a small town that has proven to have appeal all around the world
And for the last one, I have a few picks (so I reserve the right to change my mind)
How about 1776? It entertainingly presents the story of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of our country -- our common rights, ideals, values and national identity. It probably personifies what "American life" was, is and aspires to be as well as any theatre piece I could name.
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie
[http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/]
"The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
Updated On: 4/23/07 at 08:37 PM
