THIS won a Tony Award???

August: Osage County. Oh, yes it did and I'm SURE there isn't a play at any time or anywhere that deserves it more. This was glorious even with some cast replacements. It's not the "feel good play" of any season, but it is an amazing, funny, horrifying, suprising most amazingly acted play EVER. Yes, there is much adult language and situations: not for the under 14 crowd (and some of you might think THAT'S too young.)

Written by Mr. Tracy Letts, this spellbinding new play tells the story of the Westons, a large extended clan that comes together at their rural Oklahoma homestead when the alcoholic patriarch disappears. Forced to confront unspoken truths and astonishing secrets, the family must also contend with matriarch Violet, a pill-popping, deeply unsettled woman at the center of this storm.

As intriguing as the story is, and trust me, NO ONE could be prepared for the story about to unfold before you, the true beauty is in the acting. Estelle Parsons (Violet Weston) and Amy Morton (Barbara Fordham) are at the core of this riveting family drama. It's been a long time that I've left a theater, ANY theater, thinking I WANT to play that part. Well, here are two of them. Barbara is the no nonsense, take no prisoners, eldest daughter suffering her own demons that must take charge of the matriarch of this dysfunctional clan. Morton's power, understanding, and ability to "be" is one of the most amazing things I've ever witnessed. Parsons is almost unbelievable. The journey her character takes is full of twists and turns, ranges from drug dependent to helpless to backstabbing. In another 30 years I'd kill to play her, too.

Let me just praise the amazing writing of Tracy Letts. Its unusual for a man to write amazing and strong female characters. Writers usually write what they know, so all I can say is that Letts knows some really messed up but fascinating women! He is currently penning the screenplay adaptation. There is not a woman in Hollywood (and many in Chicago and NY, I'm sure) that wouldn't give their eye teeth to land ANY of the roles in this epic story. I'm sure that they will end up casting a powerhouse of talent which will, hopefully, be a huge box office draw.

Sadly, it is unusual for 'straight' plays to last a long time on (and off) B'way. August has recently reached it's 300th performance and shows little signs of slowing down. Long may it live.

Grade: A+++

Altar Boyz (off B'way)

Altar Boyz tells the holy inspiring story of 5 small-town boys—Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham—trying to save the world one screaming fan at a time. It is the final night of their whirlwind tour and it's hysterical.

This was really adorable. High energy and fun. This is a show that, again, garners many repeat audience members which adds to the infectious joy in the theater. The night we went we got several understudies which normally I could care less about, but one of the main reasons we chose to finally see this was to see Neil Haskell, runner up from LAST summer's So You Think You Can Dance. While I am disappointed to NOT have seen him, I doubt I would go back JUST to see him. I suppose I'll have to wait for his next stage role (and as a side note: MTV's American Mall did NOT cut it.)

One thing I really LOVED about this show: it HAS fun with Christianity without making fun of it. A very tricky proposition indeed. Indeed, I feel it really embraces the spirituality that draws so many to whatever religion they feel passionate about. (By the way, one of the characters is even Jewish.)

I reccommend this if you are looking for a fun night out!

Grade: B+