Breaching the Fourth Wall

One doesn’t get very far in a conversation with a thespian without the course of conversation shifting to the dying art that is theatre.  As much as I love hearing the eulogistic ramblings of an artist who’s been told her medium is no longer financially viable, I can’t help but believe otherwise.

I spent last week in Manhattan, seeing as may shows as possible on a college student budget.  Although I did watch tourist-drawing powerhouses like Rent and Avenue Q, and tried and true revivals like Patti LuPone’s Gypsy, it August: Osage County that restored my faith in American drama and The Great White Way.  A recent transfer to Broadway from Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, August follows the dysfunctional falling apart of an Oklahoma family after their patriarch disappears.

One of the few successful collaborative works I’ve seen in a long time, I bordered on giddiness as I witnessed actors superbly acting out Tracy Letts biting script, causing the three and a half hour run time to fly by unbeknownst to audiences. Almost as quotable as Monty Python and the Holy Grail, you’ll find yourself torn between outright laughter and cowering from Violet’s drug induced rampages. The set, which called for nine discreet, playable spaces, is beautiful not only for its functionality within the world of the play, but also as a standalone piece of artwork.  The lighting is realistic and yet subtle in its reinforcement of action.

I urge you to go see August if you can make it to New York City by October and discover for yourself that however faint, the pulse of American drama is still beating.  Heavily favored to win this year’s Tony for Best Play, you wont regret the expense of a Broadway ticket.  If you’re a student, don’t forget to flash your ID.  You’ll save a bundle and still get to see full priced quality theatre at the same time.

(2/7 Open Topic)