The Great Society Revival 2019 - Articles Page 1.8

Run Time:
3 hours, including one intermission
Ages: 12+
Opened: October 1, 2019
Closing: November 29, 2019

The Great Society - 2019 - Broadway History , Info & More

Vivian Beaumont Theatre (Broadway)
150 West 65th St. at Broadway New York, NY 10023

Tony Award & Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan will return to Broadway with the second of his two exhilarating dramas celebrating Lyndon B. Johnson's legacy: THE GREAT SOCIETY.



Capturing Johnson's passionate and aggressive attempts to build a great society for all, THE GREAT SOCIETY follows his epic triumph in a landslide election to the agonizing decision not to run for re-election just three years later. It was an era that would define history forever: the rise of the Civil Rights Movement, the deaths of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, the destruction of Vietnam, and the creation of some of the greatest social programs America has ever known-and one man was at the center of it all: LBJ.

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Great Society

BROADWAY REVIEW: ‘The Great Society’ has lots of history, not enough bite in play about LBJ’s last years as president
6 / 10

It's all very interesting and fair-minded in a retro kind of way - and surely educational for the young. Its even-handed, centrist point of view is also distinctively out of step with the moment, a Biden-esque island in today's sea of activist progressive writing, even on Broadway. But the whole shebang nonetheless lacks bite.

The Great Society
6 / 10

Whereas Bryan Cranston brought a dogged vitality and wily command to the role, Brian Cox's version, though still spouting folksy Texas wisdoms and capable of manipulating his foes, seems older, wearier and less secure in his power. This is appropriate to Johnson's story during this period of upheaval: The great strong-armer and glad-hander is losing his grip. But in the absence of Cranston's central charisma, the play-already spread thin by the longer time frame-seems even more like an illustrated lecture.

THE GREAT SOCIETY Primary Week 7 Puts Elizabeth Warren In The Lead
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 28, 2019


Week after week, and with more 6,500 ballots now counted for the 'Great Society Primary' at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center, theatergoers of The Great Society continue to choose Senator Elizabeth Warren as the Democratic presidential candidate with 36% of the vote (-1% from Week 6), followed by Vice President Joe Biden (17%, NC), Mayor Pete Buttigieg (16%, NC). In the Republican primary field, President Donald Trump comes in at 4% (NC), followed by Governor Bill Weld (2%, NC) and Congressman Mark Sanford (0.6%, NC).

TV Exclusive: The Great Facts of THE GREAT SOCIETY- Richard Thomas on Hubert Humphrey
by Nicole Rosky - October 28, 2019


It takes a cast of 19 to bring the epic story of LBJ to life eight times a week at the Vivian Beaumont theatre. Led by the great stage and screen actor Brian Cox, the company of Robert Schenkkan's The Great Society takes on more than fifty characters between them, retelling the tale of one of the most complicated periods in American history. BroadwayWorld is checking in with the cast to uncover some little known facts about the political giants they play onstage. Today, watch as Richard Thomas gives us a lesson on Hubert Humphrey.

Elizabeth Warren Maintains Her Lead In THE GREAT SOCIETY Primary, Week 6
by A.A. Cristi - October 21, 2019


With over 6,000 ballots now counted for the 'Great Society Primary' at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center, theatergoers of The Great Society continue to vote for Senator Elizabeth Warren as the Democratic presidential candidate with 37% of the vote (-1% from Week 5), followed by Vice President Joe Biden (17%, NC), Mayor Pete Buttigieg (16%, NC), Kamala Harris (6%), Bernie Sanders (5%), Amy Klobuchar (4%), Cory Booker (2%) and Andrew Yang (2%). In the Republican primary field, President Donald Trump comes in at 4% (NC), followed by Governor Bill Weld (2%, NC) and Congressman Joe Walsh (0.3%, NC).

BWW Interview: Richard Thomas Is a Happy Warrior in THE GREAT SOCIETY
by Naomi Serviss - October 21, 2019


Thomas brings to life the conscience and energy of Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey in Robert Schenkkan's latest exploration of the earth-shaking events of the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson.

THE GREAT SOCIETY Partners With Broadway For All
by Julie Musbach - October 18, 2019


Robert Schenkkan's THE GREAT SOCIETY, starring Brian Cox (a?oeSuccessiona??) as LBJ, directed by Bill Rauch, is partnering with Broadway For All through its initiative ACCESS FOR ALL.

THE GREAT SOCIETY Primary Week 5 - Rep Carolyn B. Maloney Casts Her Vote!
by A.A. Cristi - October 15, 2019


With nearly 6,000 ballots now counted for the 'Great Society Primary' at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Centera?"including from special guest Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12)!a?"theatergoers of The Great Society continue to choose Senator Elizabeth Warren as the Democratic presidential candidate with 38% of the vote (-1% from Week 4), followed by Vice President Joe Biden (17%, NC), and Mayor Pete Buttigieg (16%, NC). In the Republican primary field, President Donald Trump comes in at 4% (NC), followed by Governor Bill Weld (2%, NC) and Congressman Joe Walsh (0.3%, +0.3%).

Elizabeth Warren Holds the Lead In THE GREAT SOCIETY Primary
by Stephi Wild - October 8, 2019


With nearly 5,000 ballots now counted for the 'Great Society Primary' at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on Broadway, theatergoers of The Great Society continue to broaden the lead for Senator Elizabeth Warren as the Democratic presidential candidate with 39% of the vote (+1% from Week 3), followed by Vice President Joe Biden (17%, NC), and Mayor Pete Buttigieg (16%, NC). In the Republican primary field, President Donald Trump is back up a point to 4% from Week 3, followed by Governor Bill Weld (2%, NC) and Congressman Joe Walsh (0%, -0.5%).

TV: Go Inside Opening Night of THE GREAT SOCIETY with Brian Cox and More!
by TV - Opening Night Special - October 2, 2019


Tony Award & Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan returns to Broadway with the second of his two exhilarating dramas celebrating Lyndon B. Johnson's legacy: The Great Society starring Brian Cox ('Succession'), directed by Bill Rauch. This new play officially opened on Broadway last night, October 1 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65th St). This is a 12-week limited engagement.

Photo Coverage: THE GREAT SOCIETY Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway
by Jennifer Broski - October 2, 2019


Tony Award & Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan returns to Broadway with the second of his two exhilarating dramas celebrating Lyndon B. Johnson's legacy: The Great Society starring Brian Cox ('Succession'), directed by Bill Rauch. This new play officially opened on Broadway last night, October 1 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65th St). This is a 12-week limited engagement.

BWW Review: Robert Schenkkan's THE GREAT SOCIETY Takes On The Last Four Years of LBJ's Presidency
by Michael Dale - October 2, 2019


With its title taken from our 36th president's campaign slogan, Robert Schenkkan's exciting and energetic drama ALL THE WAY won the popular vote on the 2014 Tony Award Best Play ballot. Directed at a full gallop by Bill Rauch, its twenty-member cast (many playing multiple roles) portrayed a familiar assortment of 1960s politicians, public leaders, journalists and supportive spouses, all trying to let their voices be heard above the cacophony of American politics.

Review Roundup: THE GREAT SOCIETY Opens On Broadway - See What The Critics Think!
by A.A. Cristi - October 1, 2019


Tony Award & Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan returns to Broadway with the second of his two exhilarating dramas celebrating Lyndon B. Johnson's legacy: THE GREAT SOCIETY.

TV: On the Opening Night Red Carpet for THE GREAT SOCIETY; Watch Live at 6:15pm!
by TV - Red Carpets - October 1, 2019


Tony Award & Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan returns to Broadway with the second of his two exhilarating dramas celebrating Lyndon B. Johnson's legacy: THE GREAT SOCIETY starring Brian Cox (a?oeSuccessiona??), directed by Bill Rauch. This new play officially opens on Broadway tonight, October 1 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65th St). This is a 12-week limited engagement.

Political Drama THE GREAT SOCIETY Opens On Broadway Tomorrow!
by A.A. Cristi - September 30, 2019


Robert Schenkkan's THE GREAT SOCIETY officially opens on Broadway tomorrow!

BWW Flashback: Meet the Recurring Characters of ALL THE WAY and THE GREAT SOCIETY
by Nicole Rosky - October 1, 2019


In 2014, Tony Award & Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan transported audiences to 1963 in ALL THE WAY- a play about the beginning of LBJ's presidency. Five years later, Schenkkan continues the story with The Great Society, which opens on Broadway tonight, October 1 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65th St).

Elizabeth Warren Gains Momentum In THE GREAT SOCIETY Primary Week 2
by A.A. Cristi - September 23, 2019


With nearly 3,500 ballots now counted for the 'Great Society Primary' at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on Broadway, theatergoers of The Great Society have broadened the lead for Senator Elizabeth Warren as the Democratic presidential candidate.

Broadway Glossary: Meet The Presidents, Politicians, & Activists of THE GREAT SOCIETY
by A.A. Cristi - September 28, 2019


Get to know the real-life political players of the brand-new Broadway historical drama, The Great Society!

Photo Flash: First Look at THE GREAT SOCIETY on Broadway
by Julie Musbach - September 23, 2019


Robert Schenkkan returns to Broadway with THE GREAT SOCIETY. Get a first look below!

BWW Flashback: Take a Look Back at ALL THE WAY's Broadway Journey Before Sequel THE GREAT SOCIETY Opens
by Stephi Wild - October 1, 2019


The Great Society is currently in previews, ahead of its October 1 opening night. The play, written by Robert Schenkkan, is the sequel to the play All The Way, which played on Broadway in 2014. These plays work together to celebrate Lyndon B. Johnson's legacy. In honor of LBJ's return to Broadway, we're looking back on All The Way's Broadway journey in 2014.

Elizabeth Warren Takes The Lead In THE GREAT SOCIETY Primary Week 1
by A.A. Cristi - September 18, 2019


With just over 2,500 ballots cast in the first week of voting in the 'Great Society Primary' at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on Broadway, theatergoers of The Great Society overwhelmingly chose Senator Elizabeth Warren as the Democratic presidential candidate with 36% of the vote, followed by Vice President Joe Biden (17%), Mayor Pete Buttigieg (15%), Senator Kamala Harris (6%) and Senator Bernie Sanders (6%). As the Republican presidential candidate, theatergoers chose President Donald Trump (4%) over Governor Bill Weld (2%) and Congressman Joe Walsh (0.5%).

THE GREAT SOCIETY Will Host Voter Registration Events
by Julie Musbach - September 16, 2019


THE GREAT SOCIETY today announces a series of voter registration events in partnership with FairVote, NYC Votes and Young Invincibles in an effort to support voter registration and turnout on Broadway.

THE GREAT SOCIETY Announces Lottery Policy
by Julie Musbach - September 12, 2019


THE GREAT SOCIETY has partnered with TodayTix to offer $35 mobile rush tickets beginning at 9am each performance day. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis exclusively through the TodayTix app.

Photo Flash: First Look at the Top-Notch Cast of THE GREAT SOCIETY
by Julie Musbach - September 4, 2019


Tony Award & Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan will return to Broadway with the second of his two exhilarating dramas celebrating Lyndon B. Johnson's legacy: THE GREAT SOCIETY. Get a first look at the company in an all new portrait!

Meet the Cast of THE GREAT SOCIETY- Now in Previews!
by Julie Musbach - September 6, 2019


Tony Award & Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan will return to Broadway with the second of his two exhilarating dramas celebrating Lyndon B. Johnson's legacy: THE GREAT SOCIETY. Get to know the cast below as they begin Broadway performances!

Photo Flash: THE GREAT SOCIETY Launches Broadway Voting Initiative, The Great Society Primary
by A.A. Cristi - August 27, 2019


In celebration of President Lyndon B. Johnson's 111th Birthday, the 'Great Society Primary' launched this morning at an event in the lobby of the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Beginning at the first preview performance on Friday, September 6, all attendees of The Great Society will have the opportunity to 'vote' for the candidate they would like to see win either the Democratic or Republican 2020 presidential primary in one of four voting booths in the theater lobby.

TV: The Cast and Creatives of THE GREAT SOCIETY Meet the Press
by Stephi Wild - August 21, 2019


The cast and creatives of Robert Schenkkan's THE GREAT SOCIETY, his upcoming Broadway play celebrating Lyndon B. Johnson's legacy, met the press this week! Check out the video below of the stars discussing what the show means, and what all the hype is about, before they hit the stage!

Other Productions of The Great Society

2013   Off-Broadway World Premiere
Off-Broadway
2019   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway

The Great Society - 2019 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2020 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Wig and Hair Design Tom Watson

Videos