MACOMB -- The college premier of the prize winning play August: Osage County opened Aug. 20 at Western Illinois University. It is extremely well done, riveting, a must-see for theater fans. It runs through April 23 at Hainline Theater on the campus.
The lead character, Violet, is being played by the director, WIU faculty member Carolyn Blackinton, a member of Actors Equity. She stepped in at the last minute when the person cast for the role had to drop out. She is such a skilled actor that a script in her hand is not even noticeable, as she carries the role as if she has played it for weeks.
The other actors are equally skilled, the set is a marvel, and the play itself is fascinating, a family drama full of fury and comedy.
From the WIU news release: "The play, which earned a 2008 Tony Award, first awarded playwright and actor Tracy Letts a 2007 Pulitzer Prize. This play premiered in 2007 at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, where Letts has been an ensemble member since 2002. It also played on Broadway and London's National Theatre.
"August: Osage County" is set in modern day, middle-class Oklahoma and centers on the Weston family, whose members tend to make each other miserable. When the head of the household mysteriously vanishes, the family gathers together to support, and attack, one another."
Information on the cast and tickets can be found in the news release.
-- Elaine Hopkins
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