8 / 10
Reviving a classic the caliber of Suzan-Lork Parks' Topdog/Underdog, which deserved and won a Pulitzer Prize in 2001, is a bit like a high-stakes version of three-card monte. There are so many ways that the contributing elements, no matter how distinguished the contributors, could surface to throw the game. In this production, every single aspect turns up a winner.
10 / 10
The director of 'Topdog,' Kenny Leon-who was nominated for a Tony for directing the sensitive 2020 revival of 'A Soldier's Play'-emphasizes the dialogue's overheard quality, the shoot-the-shit ease that the brothers have together. His work with the actors is light but sure. Abdul-Mateen-swaggering, buoyant, easily offended-reacts behind the beat, maintaining his optimism for a minute after bad news comes through. Hawkins, on the other hand, stays just ahead of the moment, his shoulders crumpling slightly, like a card that's been thumbed too much, even when the brothers seem to be getting along. They are both wonderful, but Hawkins gives a sly, peekaboo performance that rolls up next to you like a grenade.
On January 11th, NYC public school students and teachers had the unique opportunity to participate in an exclusive conversation with the leads of the critically acclaimed production of TOPDOG/UNDERDOG.
TOPDOG/UNDERDOG on Broadway will host a special performance for members of The Divine Nine, the nine historically Black Greek Letter organizations (BGLOs) that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
TOPDOG/UNDERDOG STUDENT SEATS, the ticket program that provides fully funded tickets to student groups, has exceeded its projected goal, welcoming over 4,000 NYC students to see the production free of charge at Broadway’s Golden Theatre.
Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning TOPDOG/UNDERDOG has announced TOPDOG/UNDERDOG STUDENT SEATS, a program that provides fully funded tickets to public school student groups, allowing them to see a world-class Broadway production of one of contemporary theater’s greatest plays.
The Golden Theatre was the place to be earlier this week as Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning Topdog/Underdog officially opened on Broadway. Directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, it stars Emmy Award-winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen, Candyman) and Tony Award-nominee Corey Hawkins (In the Heights, The Tragedy of Macbeth). We're taking you inside opening night in this video.
The strictly limited 16-week engagement of Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning Topdog/Underdog celebrated its opening night on Broadway! See photos here!
The Golden Theatre was the place to be last night as Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning Topdog/Underdog officially opened on Broadway. Directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, it stars Emmy Award-winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen, Candyman) and Tony Award-nominee Corey Hawkins (In the Heights, The Tragedy of Macbeth). BroadwayWorld was there for the star-studded red carpet arrivals. Check out photos!
The strictly limited 16-week engagement of Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning Topdog/Underdog celebrates its opening night on Broadway tonight!
It's a big night at the Golden Theatre! Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning Topdog/Underdog officially opens on Broadway. BroadwayWorld will be on the red carpet for the big night. Tune in at 6pm to watch live!
The strictly limited 16-week engagement of Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning TOPDOG/UNDERDOG is now previews, and will officially open on Thursday, October 20th. Directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, it stars Emmy Award-winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen IIand Tony Award-nominee Corey Hawkins. Get a first look at video highlights here!
The strictly limited 16-week engagement of Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning TOPDOG/UNDERDOG is now previews, and will officially open on Thursday, October 20th. Directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, it stars Emmy Award-winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen IIand Tony Award-nominee Corey Hawkins. Get a first look at photos here!
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II sat down on CBS Mornings to discuss starring on Broadway in Topdog/Underdog, alongside Corey Hawkins. During the interview, the star discussed why his character is the 'ultimate role' for him, his 'intense' pre-show routine, how he ended up in his first theatre class as a dare, and more. Watch the video interview now!
Corey Hawkins and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II appeared on The Today Show this morning to discuss Broadway's Topdog/Underdog. During the segment, Mateen discussed his history with his character and the pair touched on the 'discipline' it takes to appear in the play. Hawkins also teased the The Color Purple musical movie. Watch the video interview now!
The 20th Anniversary Production of Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, has officially begun previews! Directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, it stars Emmy Award-winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen, Candyman) and Tony Award-nominee Corey Hawkins (In the Heights, The Tragedy of Macbeth). Check out photos from the first curtain call!
The 20th Anniversary Production of SUZAN-LORI PARKS' Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, will offer a limited number of tickets via digital lottery and in-person rush starting Tuesday, September 27.
Topdog/Underdog officially begins previews on Broadway tonight, September 27. The production opens at the John Golden Theatre on October 20. Meet the cast bringing the story to life!
Rehearsals are underway for Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon and star Emmy Award-winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen, Candyman) and Tony Award-nominee Corey Hawkins (In the Heights, The Tragedy of Macbeth).
Rehearsals are underway for Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, will open on Tuesday, August 30 at 10am at the John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street).Check out new photos of the marquee at the Golden Theatre.
The box office for Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, will open on Tuesday, August 30 at 10am at the John Golden Theatre.
Rehearsals are underway for Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, which returns to Broadway this Fall in a 20th Anniversary Production, directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon and starring Tony Award-nominee Corey Hawkins and Emmy Award-winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as brothers Lincoln and Booth. The company just met the press and BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big day. Go inside rehearsals in this video.
SUZAN-LORI PARKS’ Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, will return to Broadway this Fall in a 20th Anniversary Production, directed by Tony Award-winner KENNY LEON. Learn all about the new production!
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Yahya Abdul-Mateeh II |
| 2023 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Corey Hawkins |
| 2023 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Direction of a Play | Kenny Leon |
| 2023 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play | Topdog/Underdog |
| 2023 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Costume Design (Play or Musical) | Dede Ayite |
| 2023 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Director of a Play | Kenny Leon |
| 2023 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play | Corey Hawkins |
| 2023 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play | Topdog/Underdog |
| 2023 | Theatre World Awards | Theatre World Awards | Yahya Abdul-Mateen II |
| 2023 | Tony Awards | Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play | Yaha Abdul-Mateen II |
| 2023 | Tony Awards | Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play | Corey Hawkins |
| 2023 | Tony Awards | Best Revival of a Play | Topdog/Underdog |
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