rOcKS @ 'August: Osage County'

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 4/20/08 at 9:16pm

I saw AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY's final performance at the Imperial this afternoon (it's moving to the Music Box on the 29th) and found it to be an enthralling theatrical experience that I won't soon forget.

It's unfair to call it a 'show' and to call the performances 'performances' because I don't think I've ever seen a more real 'show' than AUGUST. It's an experience, not a show.

Each and every performance was spot-on and the best argument I can think of that there should be a Tony for Ensemble Performance. There truly wasn't a weak link in the cast, they all delivered stunning and completely realized and emotionally raw performances that made the show almost hard to watch. Of course, though, I must echo almost every reviewer's sentiments in saying that Deanna Dunagan and Amy Morton are absolutely unbelievable. They have totally embodied their roles and really take every single movement and line and breath as their characters and no one else.

Tracy Letts rightfully won the Pulitzer this year for his absolutely incomparable text. He has just the right amount of acerbic wit, startling drama, moving conflict, and unexpected eccentricities. Each and every scene is infused with genuine realness and not one moment rings false. There are a few scenes that are a bit long, but that is about my only complaint about his writing. It's really brilliant.

The intricate set is a shoo-in for this year's Tony, the lighting is fine, the costumes are fittingly understated, and the direction by Anna D. Shapiro is the best directorial work on a play that I've seen in years.

The show is three and a half hours long with two intermissions, but it breezed by for the most part. It's hilarious, heartbreaking, and the best play I've seen since and possibly including Rabbit Hole. Catch it at the Music Box...you won't regret it. It's a blisteringly beautiful play.

**** out of ****

[scaryclowns223]

Posted: 4/20/08 at 9:45pm

I couldn't agree more.

By far the single greatest piece of theatre I have ever seen in my entire life. Simply incredible.

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 4/20/08 at 9:47pm

Glad you enjoyed the show!

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 4/20/08 at 9:54pm

It was truly difficult to watch at times in the way that it captured all of the themes it tackled. Any other show would seem over-the-top and soap-opera-y with all of these themes and issues. AUGUST is an exercise in theater done perfectly. It is a true must-see, especially with discounts available all over. I don't think I've ever seen a more real show. It was as if I was plopped down in the middle of the Weston's home, observing real happenings. I hope to see it again very soon.

[osage08]

Posted: 4/20/08 at 11:36pm

Agreed one hundred percent. I must admit that I wasn't expecting to like Osage County but I was blown away!

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 4/21/08 at 10:37am

Same here! I thought I was going to hate it...it's probably the best straight play on Broadway right now.

[xxnewgirlxx]

Posted: 4/21/08 at 11:00am

I saw it last Tuesday and I can't agree more. Amazing cast. The acting is flawless and I adored Rondi Reed.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 4/21/08 at 11:01am

She was fantastic as well...my third favorite performances after Dunagan and Morton. I hope she gets a Tony nod. She had absolutely brilliant comedic timing and was really moving as well.

[suicidalmickeymouse]

Posted: 4/21/08 at 11:03am

I have to see this. It looks amazing and I haven't seen a bad review yet!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/21/08 at 1:03pm

Best show (Play OR Musical) that I have seen in years--

Absolutely amazing !