One of one of the finest pieces of American theater I have ever seen. The 2000 Second Stage version has resonated in my mind for many years. It was a pleasure to see this performance, which seemed somehow even more relevant now in view of recent political events. Extraordinarily strong ensemble acting and writing that speaks to the heart.
We saw this production in previews and it was powerful, moving, and splendidly performed by a wonderful ensemble of actors. The poignancy of our audience's seeing this incredibly strong group of actors in the waning days of Barack Obama's presidency felt palpable to me. Perhaps I was extra sentimental because we were celebrating my mom's 75th birthday that week. We were lucky enough to get TKTS discounted tickets, but that may have been because the show still was in previews.
2
I saw a preview of this producion over MLK weekend when I was in New York, and was electrified. Every performance was spot on and so true that I forgot I was watching actors on the stage. It was like watching an exceptional jazz ensemble jam for a couple of hours - I left the theatre breathless and buoyed.
I too saw the 2000 production, featuring the Wilson "troupe" including Stephen McKinley Henderson. It was one of my great nights at the theater. At the end of the production I jumped to my feet with tears in my eyes.
"Jitney" is indeed memorable theater. This past November I saw the production of "Jitney" by the Penumbra Theatre Company in St. Paul (Minn.), a top African-American theater company. Wilson worked with Penumbra at the start of his career; they staged his first professional production and also the premiere of "Jitney". Penumbra has been recently working its way through Wilson's 10-play Pittsburgh cycle (again) starting with "The Piano Lesson" in 2008; I've seen the 7 done so far, outstanding productions and plays all (two were presented at The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis). Each has its own unique feel and story, but have in common Wilson's ability to use language to draw you in to the characters, their stories, and their always ambiguous (and thus true-to-life) predicaments. This puts him in distinguished company with very few playwrights in history. If you live within striking distance of New York, do not miss this chance to see great theater, especially if you've never seen a Wilson play live.
1
As one who dearly misses being a New Yorker, I thank you for nearly making me feel as if I'd been there. Wilson's "jazz" resonates for one relegated to the
"all too White" north woods.
James Seymour
South Gardiner, ME
207-315-5253
"all too White" north woods.
James Seymour
South Gardiner, ME
207-315-5253
1
Very nice write-up by Mr. Brantley, and a fitting homage to August Wilson's works which are finally getting the recognition they well-deserve.
1
A phenomenal play and production with a superb cast. I've been fortunate to see four of August Wilson's plays on Broadway in the past few years: Joe Turner's Come and Gone, The Piano Lesson, Fences, and now Jitney. They are some of the best productions I've seen in my life. What a giant Wilson was! — a genius, a master of truth, American truth at that. This production is brilliantly directed and searingly relevant. It also includes one of the most riveting father-son scenes ever staged. DO NOT MISS IT!!!!
1
Incidentally, the night we went the son's role was performed by understudy Stephen Tyrone Williams. I'll never forget it.
I haven't seen Jitney but I am sure it is excellent since August Wilson is the greatest American playwright of all time!
2
Please, please, let this be filmed by PBS for those of us throughout the country who can't get to the play. Out here in the badlands, you wouldn't believe the popularity of Fences. Such a pleasure to see those unfamiliar with August Wilson fall in love with his work.
10
I agree Ms Heggs... I hope it is filmed. My wife, daughter and I had the honor to see Jitney a few weeks ago, the night after seeing the Fences' film. I have been blessed to see 8 of the 10 plays in the cycle live on Broadway, off-Broadway, regional theater -- one of the joys of living in metro-NYC. If you had not heard, Denzel Washington has signed an agreement with HBO to produce (and possibly act in) filmed versions of all 10 of the plays in the Century Cycle. Wilson is indeed America's Shakespeare and someone who has opened my Caucasian heart and soul to the black experience in America.
It definitely needs to be filmed!
Mr.Brantley: Langston Hughes first introduced jazz rhythms in his poetry, about the time Mr. Wilson was born! Shela Xoregos
3
Couldn't agree more. I loved it at Second Stage and loved it all over again in this current rendering. Great writing and acting. So superior to the upcoming Sweat which features obvious mouthpiece characters, not three dimensional lives.
4
Saw "Jitney" last weekend. Brantley's review does an excellent job of describing the characters, writing, acting, etc. I was so glad to finally see this play performed on Broadway. And I was not disappointed.
8
I haven't seen or read "Jitney", but Mr. Brantley's richly evocative writing pulls me right into August Wilson's vision and also makes what sounds like deeply committed acting spring to life. In short, it feels like I need to see this play. So, why the limited run with an end date of March 12? It sounds like we could use this baby to run for, oh, I don't know, maybe the next four years.
15
An excellent production - I agree! Beautifully written, astonishingly acted, superbly cast, and sensitively directed! Shaming and sobering, indeed, but also entertaining and inspiring, as well.
6
Wouldn't it be wonderful if MTC produced all ten plays in the cycle in chronological order over the next several years. We need Wilson's voice more than ever now.
8
I believe I read that Denzel Washington optioned the rights to produce all ten plays. Other than Fences, he will produce the remaining nine for HBO.
I too had heard that Denzel Washington had brought the film rights for all of August Wilson play. I heard that his next project will be Ma Rainey Black Bottom for HBO.
Good. It's disappointing to find that most people are only first finding out about him through the Fences movie. I saw every original production and have been a fan since I was in high school. What's most disappointing is how many black people I know who've never heard of him. Everybody knows Kanye West but far fewer know August Wilson. Sad.
2