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Howard May 9th, 2001 10:03 AM

Marcia, August Wilson is an African-American writer, who is writing a series of plays--one about each decade of the 20th century. (The Playbill for the show says, "These works explore the heritage ands experience of African-Americans, decade by decade...") King Hedley II is his eighth. His other seven are (in no particular order) Fences, The Piano Lesson, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Two Trains Running, Jo Turner's Come and Gone, Jitney and Seven Guitars. His writing is eloquent and strong and has won him 2 Pulitzer Prizes. It's serious stuff. I say that, since you may not be looking for anything that serious. But, it is wonderful theater. We are not African-Americans and have found each play profounding moving. King Hedley II stars Brian Stokes Mitchell and Leslie Uggams (in a straight dramatic role).

Ellen May 9th, 2001 01:22 PM

Howard! We must have the same subscriptions! I just saw King Hedley too. Just think if we were wearing the fodors ribbons! I loved that show as well. So well written! The dialogue was right on the money. Acting could not have been better. Hubby getting anxious at my drooling over Brian Mitchell Stokes, but he'll get over it. Absolutely deserves the Tony Nomination. Terrific in Kiss Me Kate, outdoes himself as King. Highly recommend to anyone who likes good drama. 3 hours flew by. Leslie Uggams looked great. "Stool Pidgeon" from Jitney was wonderful. No light-weights in the cast. And on the opposite end of the spectrum--Love, Janis (downtown on Bleeker?) Story of Janis Joplin. Terrific. But very loud. Saw it at Bay St. Theater in Sag Harbor, not as good in such a small venue. Better in the city. I was never a huge fan, but I am one now!

Robin May 10th, 2001 10:15 AM

Is 'Art' still playing? Or has Yasmin Reza's (the playwright) new play opened? I just read about it in Paris, but the expectation was that it would tour. I think the title is Life x 3????

Howard May 10th, 2001 10:27 AM

Sorry, Robin, but Art closed several months ago. But there are several good plays (i.e., non-musicals) now playing on and off Broadway.

Marcia May 11th, 2001 03:17 AM

Dear friends <BR>Thank you for the all the great insights <BR>about the plays.I am leaving sunday for NY and as soon as I come back I will write about what I was able to see. <BR>Marcia

Howard May 11th, 2001 05:27 AM

Marcia, after all the advice given, I, for one, will certainly be curious for your post-theater comments!


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