best plays
May 9th, 2001, 10:03 AM
#41
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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).
May 9th, 2001, 01:22 PM
#42
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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!
