LACKAWANNA BLUES Previews

[EDSOSLO858]

Amidst a starry reopening on Tuesday of four long-running musicals, we've got a one-man show to add to the mix. The play Lackawanna Blues begins previews at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre tomorrow night, prior to a September 28th official opening. This 20th anniversary production - starring, written by, and directed by Tony winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Seven Guitars) - marks its Broadway premiere. 

"Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson returns to MTC for the Broadway debut of his brilliant solo play celebrating the strong, big-hearted woman who raised him: Miss Rachel. In a 1950s boarding house outside Buffalo, Nanny, as she was affectionately called, opened her doors to anyone and everyone in need of kindness, hope, compassion and care. Giving a tour-de-force performance accompanied by live music written by acclaimed composer Bill Sims, Jr. and performed by Blues Hall of Fame Guitarist Junior Mack, Santiago-Hudson embodies more than 20 vibrant characters, creating a richly textured reminiscence that’s inspiring, uplifting and right at home on Broadway."

Who's going?

[Alexander Lamar]

I will be there. Didn’t know anything about the show until I just read what you posted, but know that he is a great actor and interpreter of Wilson’s work so excited to see something he created.

[Jordan Catalano]

Seeing it later in the week. I have theater every night for the next 5 nights which is…amazing. I know nothing about this show, so I’m very excited to just go into it blind.

[JayElle]

You know the first night has a 6:45 start rather than 7pm?  Telecharge called you?  

I had a ticket, but I canceled it today. Enjoy it.

[Harriet Craig]

In 2005, Ruben Santiago-Hudson adapted his one-man play into a multi-character movie that was directed by George C. Wolfe, with a cast that included not only Santiago-Hudson himself, but also S. Epatha Merkerson, Lou Gossett Jr., Delroy Lindo, and many others. I saw the movie and enjoyed it (I think it’s available on Netflix, worth checking out if it is), now I’m curious to see how it works as a one-man show. I’ll be there on September 23.

[EDSOSLO858]

Any word on first preview? The show began at 6:45 and it’s only 90 minutes long.

I heard there were blues musicians playing outside the Friedman before the show.

[Jordan Catalano]

Is that what that was?? We walked by on the way to the Gershwin and saw a HUGE crowd outside the theater and had no idea what was going on. Very cool!

[Jordan Catalano]

What a joyous and beautiful celebration of life, that was! To sit in a full theater surrounded by people feeling and experiencing that show together is what I’ve been missing all these months. Santiago-Hudson is giving what I absolutely guarantee will be regarded as one of the best performances of this season and I PRAY this show finds and sustains an audience. It deserves a sold out performance every night.

[Dollypop]

I wasn't sure about this show but on the basis of Jordan's glowing review, I'm buying a ticket.

[Sauja]

I knew the movie adaptation, which I loved, and it was fascinating to see the one man show it was based on. Santiago Hudson is a helluva performer besides being a tremendous director and great writer. This show is a gorgeous show of love to the extraordinary woman who raised Santiago Hudson; it’s warm, funny, and moving. A joyful night of theater. A sincere pleasure. I hope people find their way to see it, even if it’s not the flashiest production. It’s really wonderful.

[Jordan Catalano]

I had never seen the film but it’s on YouTube so I’m definitely going to watch it this weekend.

[JBroadway]

Jordan, is the text mostly written as narration?

Seeing it next week. I’ve never seen him perform but I’ve enjoyed his work as a director.

[Jordan Catalano]

He plays a few dozen characters and goes in and out of them, taking with each other. His characterization is so damn good you forget you’re watching one man and not an entire community.

[ACL2006]

The show has been up on TKTS for 50% off since it started previews for anyone interested.

[Alexander Lamar]

Does TKTS let you pick your seat?

[Jordan Catalano]

It’s been a long time since I’ve used TKTS but I know they used to let you at least choose your price range and section.

[CityLights3]

The praise on here is absolutely 1000% justified. This was one of the best performances I may have ever seen. This piece is so uniquely inspiring and heartfelt on its on, but add this tour de force performance to it and it’s a night of theatre you’ll be enriched by. I hope it finds its audience too, because man does this performance deserve to be seen. The way Ruben invites an audience into his storytelling is only done by masters in their craft. I’d hand the man all the awards possible right now.

[EDSOSLO858]

Opening night has been pushed back to October 7th, as Ruben Santiago-Hudson recovers from a back injury.

[ACL2006]

Jordan Levinson said: "Opening night has been pushed back to October 7th, as Ruben Santiago-Hudson recovers from a back injury."

I know it's a one-man show, just surprised there isn't a standby.

[EDSOSLO858]

Tonight’s performance has been cancelled, as Ruben Santiago-Hudson continues to nurse his back injury. The production hopes to resume performances tomorrow.

[BJR]

What a damn shame he finally gets this show to Bway and injures himself badly enough to cancel so many performances.

[Daniel M]

I was there tonight and the bonus concert performance was phenomenal! I wish Ruben a speedy recovery.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

ACL2006 said: "I know it's a one-man show, just surprised there isn't a standby."

The assumption is probably that most of the audience would exchange their tickets to see HIM do it, since it's about his life. It's appealing to a niche crowd of theatre buffs, and it's a short run. But even in normal situations, the understudy wouldn't be properly rehearsed until after Opening. And most of the cancelled performances have been scheduled as Press Nights, and they obviously want the critics to see him.

Ruben is absolutely f&cking brilliant, but I'd be interested to see someone else play it. It requires a huge range.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Daniel M said: "I was there tonight and the bonus concert performance was phenomenal! I wish Ruben a speedy recovery."

Did they cancel the performance after people had already started arriving at the theatre?

[Daniel M]

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Daniel M said: "I was there tonight and the bonus concert performance was phenomenal! I wish Ruben a speedy recovery."

Did they cancel the performance after people had already started arriving at the theatre?"

Yes. I must’ve been on line for 20 minutes, and by the time they cancelled the line stretched past the Barrymore. People were getting irritated due to the wait and many left before the concert was announced.