"This is a saga of a family that covers generations. It ranks right up there with the great family dramas like Death of a Salesman and Long Days Journey Into Night,” says Fred Sebulske, director and founder of Actors’ Theatre on the Grand Rapids premier of the Chicago Steppenwolf Theater and 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, August: Osage County. “People say those plays are dark, but when they are done well, they have humor and beauty."
A dark look at a contemporary Midwestern American family, August: Osage County is a revelation both on stage with the actors and the powerful representation of how repression often reveals itself in shocking and startling ways.
Don’t let people tell you the dramatic arts are dead because this play, which had a successful run in New York and London before arriving here in Grand Rapids, is a tour de force of powerful American storytelling.
"August: Osage County is play that both looks toward the future of live theatre while hearkening back to great theatrical works of the past such as Eugene O’Neill or Tennessee Williams, with maybe a bit of Sam Shepard and Lillian Hellman thrown in for good measure!” says Jonathan Clausen, director of Development and Marketing at Actors' Theatre. “Frankly, I couldn’t think of a better way to close out our 31st Season and enter our 32nd -- or a better group of actors to show us all how it’s done. "
And Clausen could not have been more spot-on. When you look through the diverse cast and production staff list, you'll find it features just as August: Osage County does, seasoned pros (and favorites) of Actors’ Theatre, but also a shiny roster of fresh-faced talent emerging for the organization of tomorrow. This is one of those rare moments in theatrical history when a company under a director’s well-honed gaze creates must-see theatre for our region. Art this magnificent will simply blow you away!
If you cannot make an evening show time, one can take advantage from Noon until 5 p.m. on opening night of a special 2-for-1 offer for the matinee performances by applying coupon code AUGUSTAFTERNOON online or by calling the Box Office at (616) 234-3946. Don’t delay. This special offer to see a Pulitzer Winner ends very soon.
Admission: From $24
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