MLT's “August: Osage County” debuts Thursday at Coleman Theatre
By Mark Rogers
http://www.miamiok.com/grandlake/news/article_0195e5c9-62f0-5cb2-9a58-e1dd9f44921b.html
For its third show of the season Miami Little Theatre brings a Pulitzer Prize-winning play written by Oklahoman Tracy Letts to the Coleman Theatre stage for a four-run performance.
This past summer, the Bartlesville and Pawhuska communities were abuzz with the arrival of superstars Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts for a $25 million film version of the play—an adult-themed comedy/drama.
The story revolves around an eccentric Oklahoma family as they experience a crisis caused by the disappearance of hard-drinking poet-dad, Beverly. His wife, Violet, has been diagnosed with cancer and has become addicted to drugs. Daughters Barbara, Karen and Ivy come together, along with the rest of the family, for a dramatic series of conflicts. Periodic dosages of humor occasionally soothe the tragedy of the unfolding events, thanks to the quirkiness of the whole ensemble.
MLT’s dynamic cast includes Jerry Venis, Paula Darnell, Lynn Forkum, Phillip Shamblin, Jean Fordham, Linda Kerby, Donna Bass, Kathryn Wenzel, Robert McKibben, Shannon Duhon, Mackenzie Shamblin, Randy Billings and Bud Catt.
The play is directed by MLT President Pamela Catt. Judy Pitman is assistant director.
“I am so pleased to bring this award-winning drama to Miami,” Catt says. “This show is intense, and the themes are timeless — from jealousies to addictions to complex family relationships. While MLT is widely known for its blockbuster musicals, there is a large segment of our patrons who ask for and appreciate strong dramas and more contemporary offerings. This one won’t disappoint.”
Tickets are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and students. Due to the adult themes and strong profanity, the director recommends the appropriate audience to be 18 and older. For reservations call the Coleman Theatre at918-540-2425. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a 2:30 Sunday performance.
Next up is a lighthearted stage favorite, the venerable and very family-friendly “Life with Father,” which will be presented in April.
