Tracy Letts’ August: Osage County told the story of a family. A very dysfunctional family. A family I fell in love with, mainly because of the acting and the characters and their voices. Oh, their voices. Though it was my first time seeing a play written by Letts, I could tell he had a rare gift for perfectly capturing a characters speech – their vocabulary, their inflection, their though process.
So when I heard he had a new play coming to Broadway, about an owner of a donut shop and his relationship to a young writer, I was sold. The concept didn’t grab me, but I had faith Letts wouldn’t disappoint.
On its closing weekend, I dragged my mom out to see it. The only disappointment I found (aside from a painfully unrealistic fight scene) was in the emptiness of the theatre. Especially considering that it was closing weekend, I anticipated quite a crowd. Instead, I found my discount, could be anywhere in the theatre seats were center mezzanine, front row. Why, I have no explanation. Not just the writing and the donuts were superior – the cast, out of Steppenwolfe, were magnificent. I’m tempted to single a few out, but can’t, as I am still in awe by the across the board quality displayed by the entire cast.
While humorous, it wasn’t the funniest play I’ve seen. And while interesting, it certainly wasn’t the most thought-provoking. But Superior Donuts might be one of the most real plays I’ve seen. And that’s why, whatever the subject, I’m already in line for the next play by Tracy Letts.
Superior Donuts
