August Osage

I saw August Osage yesterday afternoon.  Initially I was hesitant to go see it.  3 1/2 hours for a play?  But, I had heard it was a must see.  I bought two tickets, one for myself and a friend.  Couldn't imagine Fred lasting 3 1/2 hours through a play when he barely makes it through 2 hours.  My mistake, he would have loved it.

My expectations were high from all the chatter I had heard and the praise was right on the money.  The play is brilliant.  3 1/2 hours flies by.  The acting is fantastic, the story line is riveting.  A layered plot of a family from Oklahoma who comes together because their father is missing.  The lines are sharp. The characters are so engaging I felt like I was reading a good novel.  The playwright, Tracy Letts, doesn't miss a trick.  Watching history repeat itself through each generation.  The relationships between mother and daughters, husband and wife, pecking order between the siblings, etc.  Insightful, funny, dysfunctional, drug addicting, abusive. I could go on and on.

Leaving the theater, one can't help but reflect on their own families although the Westons ( main family in August Osage ) hopefully beats out anyone in being dysfunctional by a long shot.   One of the best plays I have seen in years and probably one of the best plays that I will ever see on Broadway.  August Osage is an instant classic. 

Comments

[Jared]

I couldn't agree with you more about your praise for AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY. I was at the opening at steppenwolf back in July. The place went nuts during the fight scene at the end of Act II. When Amy Morton said, "I'm running things now!" everyone in the audience erupted into a standing ovation. It was the first time I had ever been part of a standing ovation at intermission! In fact, I'm getting chills just writing about it. Unfortunately, as good as it is, it's only selling at 70% of capacity.So keep telling your friends to go! See: http://www.playbill.com/features/article/115213.html

[tracey t]

Just thought I'd update the capacity status! Went to the matinee today. I was in the 2nd to last row in the theater...and from what I could see, it was filled. Sounds like word got around...as it should have!