BWW Reviews: Stunning and Powerful Production of AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY Plays the Fox Theatre Through 3/14

My first introduction to the work of playwright Tracy Letts was covering a local production of Bug. I came away amazed and enthralled with the play, marveling at the way Letts writes dialog, and captivated by a bizarre tale of conspiratorial madness fueled by excessive drug consumption and psychotic behavior. So, needless to say, I had high expectations for the Steppenwolf Theatre Company's presentation of August: Osage County that touched down at the Fox Theatre for a two week run. I'm happy to report that I was blown away by the brilliance of the writing and the cast. August: Osage County is must-see theatre.

As the play begins our family patriarch, poet and alcoholic, Beverly Weston, is in the process of interviewing a young Native American student, Johnna Monevata, for a position as housekeeper/caregiver for his pill-popping wife, Violet. This prologue sets the stage for the rest of the play, and it also provides the only appearance of Beverly, who commits suicide after turning up missing. And, it's his disappearance, and his eventual discovery by the police, that brings together a extraordinarily dysfunctional group of relatives to mourn his passing. But, Violet is a force to be reckoned with, and a decision must be made on how to handle her addictions. At the same time each member of this family, extended or otherwise, seems to be living a lie, or hiding some dirty little secret that you know will come out at the worst possible moment.

Estelle Parsons is absolutely astounding as Violet, the acid-tongued mother to this bitter brood, stumbling around in a haze, completely oblivious to the carnage she leaves in her wake. It's a bravura performance, almost painful to watch, but mesmerizing nonetheless. Thankfully, Parsons is matched step for step by a top notch cast.

Shannon Cochran, Angelica Torn and Amy Warren are all terrific as Violet's daughters Barbara, Ivy and Karen, respectively. Cochran impresses with a powerhouse portrayal, taking charge of the situation as the eldest, favored daughter, but not prepared for what that entails. Torn's lovesick Ivy has already served her time caring for her mother, and her desire to escape is understandable. Warren is bubbly and vivacious as the youngest daughter, who's desperate to connect with her sisters, despite the fact that none of them have been inclined to stay in touch with one another.

The supporting cast is also very good and features: Libby George as Violet's concerned sister, who constantly browbeats her son Charles; Paul Vincent O'Connor as her husband, Charlie; Steve Key as Charles, who finds himself romantically involved with his first cousin Ivy; Laurence Lau as Karen's sleazy and perverted boyfriend Steve; Jeff Still as Barbara's unfaithful husband Bill; Emily Kinney as her pot-smoking daughter Jean; DeLanna Studi as the stoic, but steady Johnna; Marcus Nelson as Sheriff Deon Gilbeau, a former beau of Barbara's; and Jon Devries in a brief, but memorable appearance as Beverly.

Anna Shapiro's direction is stellar, maintaining audience involvement throughout with clever and smoothly executed transitions and scene changes. Shapiro also keeps the pace of this long (three hours plus intermissions) show chugging along quite nicely, and the acting is simply superlative. Todd Rosenthal's scenic design is a breath-taking three story set, and the action on the behemoth is smartly and dramatically lit by Ann Wrightson. Ana Kuzmanic's costumes are splendid fits for this diverse collection of characters. David Singer's original music really enhances the mood of this piece, and it fits perfectly with Richard Woodbury's sound design.

Letts has crafted something special here, drawing together compelling dramatic elements, and sprinkling in generous helpings of humor, as well as food for thought. And, there are literally dozens of memorable one liners to chew on as well.

This is one of those rare theatrical events that demands your attention, so do yourself a favor and go see it immediately. August: Osage County continues through March 14, 2010 at the Fox Theatre.