escargot

Trying to decide between the two, unfortunately only time for one show during an upcoming visit to NYC -

anyone seen either? HowardR? Neo? All you fabulous New Yorkers ?? Would love to hear what any of you have to say if you saw it or what you've heard -

Thanks -

mclaurie

I've seen August: Osage county. Very good but very heavy (although Come Back Little Sheba is not light). Not sure how to tell you to decide.

escargot

Thanks McLaurie
I'm sure they are both excellent - just thought maybe someone had seen both and had a "leaning towards"

TC

Saw August-Osage County in January. It is outstanding! I think (and had agreement from all our theater going friends) that its A MUST SEE. It will surely sweep the Tony's. Yes, it is a bit heavy in spots, but is also hillariously funny. The acting is the best I've seen in years. We were all mesmerized for the entire three hours. Its like reading a great big wonderful novel, filled with fantastically complex characters -- the kind you hate to see come to an end - and really hope for a sequel.

mclaurie

I couldn't bear another second with those characters. Sorry. I do agree it will sweep awards and it is a must see for serious theater goers though.

Centralparkgirl

I see a lot and thought August was wonderful - I wouldn't be surprised if it wins a Pulitzer - very well written, but mostly it's about the acting - truly wonderful - and I think it was the lead's Bway debut. Just be aware that it is very long -over 3 hrs.

escargot

well we tried for August: Osage tix but no go for the weekend I will be there, but did find tix to Come Back LIttle Sheba so that settled that one

thanks !

escargot

Just thought I'd return to report we saw

Come Back Little Sheba on the January weekend and S Epatha Merkerson was so wonderful - playing the role with just the right temperment - and Kevin Anderson as Doc really impressed -and Brenda Wehle was excellent -- for me anyway, I thought the rest of the cast was ok but nothing memorable - but the rest of them made up for it and I loved the set.

AND

August: Osage County: Was in NYC again for Easter Weekend - and for that magnificent Orchid Show at NYBotanical Garden - and did see August: OC -
which was BRILLIANT -
as far as my husband, daughter and I were concerned - and that was all my husband said several times while exiting the theater - 'Brilliant, just brilliant"

the acting was superb - the characters amazing - and yes, it had moments we laughed out loud, moments we cringed, moments that were dark, and moments that bordered on a few I've seen at family reunion dinners over the years myself -

the three hours, for us , FLEW by -the two quick 10 minute intermissions were just enough - and my husband was leaning forward for the last half hour -
I haven't had actors mesmerize me like that on stage for a long time - and the writing was smart and clean

I think this review is spot on:

http://preview.tinyurl.com/34wnyx

The first visit we also had magnificent tea at Lady Mendl's and fabulous dinner at Hearth -
details are in trip report:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=35105078

Didn't do report for second trip, but we had yet again, another great meal at Roberto Passon and breakfast at Maison beginning with a plate of beignets....and a fun night at Dos Caminos on 825 3rd @ 50th - with great tequilas and an amazing skirt steak - and lots of good sides - and I loved the decor

escargot

meant to post this review , but the former is good too, but this was my top save review on August: Osage County which was from the NYTimes in Dec/ 07

http://preview.tinyurl.com/2297jc

TC

Escargot, Thanks for reporting back. Didn't see Come Back Little Sheba and it sounds like I missed a very good show. Coincedentally, Brenda Wehl was a member of our own Guthrie Theater acting company for many years and is a brilliant actress. So happy to hear she's doing well in NY.

I loved August: OC so much that we have tickets to see it again in May for our annual pre-Tony theater week. Seeing lots of other great sounding shows, but just had to squeeze that one in again.

Thanks for the report and restaurant recommendations.