rOcKS @ 'Superior Donuts'

Just a few quick thoughts.

A fall from grace for Letts. I mean, it was pretty damn near impossible that it would be as good as or better than A:OC which is very true but more than that its just really not an exciting or fresh show.

There's some great banter between Franco and McKean's character (don't have my Playbill in front of me), mostly in the first act. But that's about it. I didn't feel ANYTHING for any of the characters and the plot was pretty uninvolving and pointless. Letts knows how to write, that's for sure, I just don't get why he deemed this worthy of being his second Bway venture. The second act was interminable. And I thought McKean's monologues were pointless and they did not ring true for me one bit. The first act is far better than the second but certainly is nothing spectacular.

The performances are fine though. McKean is good enough, Kate Budekke is funny, and the kid who plays Franco (again, I'm on my Bberry...can't get my Playbill now) is fantastic. I hope he's remembered when the Tony nods are announced.

The direction does nothing to keep the pace up. There's a lot of long, pensive pauses (don't know if this was Letts' idea or the director's) but they just make the show drag. About one or maybe two of the six or seven pauses work.

The set's nice, appropriate and all. Sound design needs to work on their cues.

I didn't despise it, its just...so pointless to me. Maybe I didn't get it. But after last years' fantastic crop of plays, we're not off to the best of starts. This was the first new show of the 09-10 Bway season I saw. And...ehhhh.

** out of ****

I'd be happy to answer any questions.

The reviews here sound EXACTLY the ones from Chicago for this. It's really too bad that this show had to play in a Broadway house, it sounds like it's more suited for off-Broadway and will find a hard time finding an audience...and Letts has set the bar so high for himself that people are going in with huge expectations. This is really a good argument for reading the reviews of a show you're thinking about seeing before you buy a ticket--especially if it's just been done out of town with the same cast.

I'm almost afraid to see this on Saturday now. Oh well.

---

I was there tonight and to me the best duo on 45th street isn't Daniel and Hugh...it's Michael McKean and Jon Michael Hill in Superior Donuts. Their chemistry was just fantastic, and Jon Michael Jill is a STAR in the making. It is definitely not August: Osage County, as the drama was not as effective as the humour, but it was an enjoyable little show. And even though act two is uneven, the final moments between Michael and Jon really got me.

---

Another thought: is it just because the theater's small that we were able to very clearly hear the stage-doorers at A STEADY RAIN screaming bloody murder? Cause I remember the same exact thing happening when AUGUST was there and ALL MY SONS was across the street.

Well, it does seem that there ARE people that are enjoying it, so there is still hope. I'll be there on Saturday matinee, followed by A Steady Rain in the evening.

---

Was on the street by 10:25 PM last night---

I agree, Winston--- It really doesnt "TRY" be be "A:OC"- (if that meakes sense)

I compare it somewhat with Wilson's works--- written as a cycle, his works are inevitably going to be compared to eachother. Sort of like comparing movie sequels.

Hard to compare "A:OC" and "Superior Donuts"- I went with an open mind, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I'm a little surprised by some of the disappointment with Superior Donuts on the board. It's subtler and gentler than August, and that works really well for the plot.

The main similarity it has with August is that Letts created rich characters that help define the American Character. I disagree that this should be running off-Broadway in a small house. I thought it fit nicely in the Music Box and will hopefully be able to find an audience there.

Jon Michael Hill is the clear break out star, but everyone is turning a strong performance (minus the fight scene!). If you're looking for an original play to see this fall, this would be the one to see.

---

I saw the invited dress on Tuesday night and I mostly enjoyed it. There is some great humor in the show. It's not as riveting as August, but much of the writing was solid. The actors all played off each incredibly well.
I loved Michael McKean when he was interacting with others but his monologues completely took me out of the story. I'm not sure if it was the writing or the directing but I would lose interest when he was in his lone spotlight. Also, the fight scene in Act 2 went on for way too long.
I laughed a lot watching the show and had a good time. I'd recommend it. I think some of the kinks (awkward pacing/off lighting-sound effects) will get fixed during previews.