On Stage with August: Osage County featuring Estelle Parsons at the 92Y Tribecca

Tomorrow afternoon the 92Y Tribeca is offering a one-of-a-kind discussion. They will host “On Stage with August: Osage County featuring Estelle Parsons” at noon. The discussion will be monitored by theatre critic Peter Filichia, (check out his column, “Peter Filichia’s Diary,” at theatremania.com).

In the theatre world, Parsons is currently known for playing matriarch Violet in August: Osage County. Though she did not originate the role, Parsons has garnered rave reviews for her portrayal of the venerable character. The New York Times calls her performance “superb,” and continues to say she “forges her own path into the tortured darkness of Violet’s drug-addled psyche,” likening her presence to that of a “snapping turtle” with “childlike delight.” The website, City Guide Magazine, touts Parsons as a good reason to go see August: Osage County. I personally agree with every glowing review that I came across and, might I mention, also concur with City Guide that Parsons is “looking far younger and more energetic than her 80 years.” New York Magazine even devoted an article on Parson’s physical agility and endurance and how it has a positive affect her August performance.

Parsons is an Oscar-winning actress for her supporting role in 1967's “Bonnie and Clyde” (starring Warren Beatty & Faye Dunaway). She has also received multiple Tony Award nominations and was the Artistic Director at the Actor’s Studio for five years until 2003. Pop-culturites may recognize Parsons from her portrayal as the opinionated, meddling mother to Roseanne and Jackie on the popular '90s sitcom “Roseanne.”

Other August: Osage County cast members that will take part in the discussion are Frank Wood, Brian Kerwin and Madeleine Martin. Theatre is Easy is excited to cover this side of the theatre world for our readers. Check out this event and let us know what you think!

Date & Time: Thursday, Feb 12, 2009, 12:00pm, at the 92YTribeca Mainstage, 200 Hudson Street. Tickets are $16.00. call 212-415-5500 or go to www.92y.org for more info.

August: Osage County (Imperial Theatre)

BOTTOM LINE: it's as good as the hype...the story and characters are totally compelling. Highly recommended for anyone who likes smart comedy with a darker side. And you can go for $26.50.

I had heard a lot about Tracy Letts' new play, August: Osage County, before I got to see it myself and since everything I had heard was extremely positive, I wasn't so sure it would live up to the hype that had been built up. Probably not surprisingly, it managed to exceed every expectation I had. I'm not sure I'd say it's the best new work in decades, but it's pretty damn good and entirely worth seeing now with this cast.

August: Osage County is the story of the quintessential dysfunctional family and the drama that ensues when they get together after hearing that their father has disappeared. In the midst of tragedy, the extended family (headed by their pill-popping matriarch) must try to reconnect and come to terms with the loss of their father while discovering dark and disturbing secrets about their kin. Although the subject matter is heavy, the writing is so funny that the story is, in every way, a comedy. I laughed out loud throughout the entire play.

The ensemble in August: Osage County is flawless. Each of the 13 characters experience change and each actor takes us through that journey with biting realism. Also notable is the direction by Anna D. Shapiro. There is only one set, a big three-story house into which we can see seven rooms as if we're spying through the wall from the outside. Action takes place in all of these rooms and sometimes overlaps with a scene playing somewhere else. With 13 actors and constant conversations (some of which occur simultaneously), the choreography of the movement is precise and carefully calculated...I always knew where to focus but I was always interested in the other things happening.

The script is funny and fascinating and could probably just stand alone as a good read, but add to it a phenomenal cast and brilliant direction and you've got a real theatrical experience. I felt grateful that I was invited in to see this story unfold...it's delicious voyeurism. And when I went into the lobby at intermission, I looked at the other audience members and felt like I was sharing something special with them. The overall experience this play provides is the reason live theatre is so powerful. When all of the facets come together so perfectly, it's an experience unlike any other.

And even more good news: you can get a ticket for $26.50. Sure, it's in the rear balcony, but it's a small enough theatre that it really doesn't matter. I saw the show from the nose-bleeds and I didn't miss a thing. It still felt intimate. If you can afford a better seat, go for it, but if you're low on funds, the $26.50 ticket option is a gift.

(August: Osage County is playing at the Imperial Theatre at 249 W. 45th between 7th and 8th. Tickets are around $100 to around $25. Shows: Tues@7:30pm, Wed@2pm and 7:30pm, Thurs-Fri@7:30, Sat@2pm and 8pm, Sun@3pm. For tickets call 212.239.6200 or stop by the box office.) augustonbroadway.com