'Osage County' is fierce, fearsome triumph

Review

ST. PETERSBURG

The Weston clan in Tracy Letts' "August: Osage County" made me think of the Dr. Seuss classic, "Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?" After seeing the American Stage production of this Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner, I would rather paint flagpoles in Grooz than be a member of this family. They're so messed up, they take the fun out of dysfunction.

That said, I would not have missed one minute of this three-hour genocide. Director Todd Olson corralled 13 brilliant cast members into a fierce and fearsome triumph of theater.

The play opens with patriarch Beverly Weston (the fabulous Michael Edwards) chatting with the nurse (Tia Jemison) he's just hired to attend his wife, Violet (Lisa McMillan). After Bev establishes what Johnna and the audience are in for, he disappears. The whole family arrives at the house in Oklahoma to weather the crisis together, only to learn later that real tragedy has struck.

With death as a backdrop, the Westons behave like rabid dogs at a weenie roast. And Duckie, these folks cook up a nasty issue stew – drug addiction, incest, emotional and verbal abuse, divorce, infidelity, secrets and lies.

True to life, there is no resolution, restitution or relief. And if this all sounds like a downer, take heart. The verbal and physical delivery of said issues is funny as hell.

Though Olson gathered an overall terrific ensemble, McMillan merited special attention. Her explosive emotions could have shattered the Chihuly Collection at Morean Arts Center. Granted, Letts crafted a pip of a character. But it took a strong, committed actor to deliver Vi's poison with such deadly, well-timed precision.

Letts also overextended his talents in creating eldest daughter Barbara. In doing so, he allowed actor Julie Rowe the opportunity to give an award-worthy performance. Riveting in every scene, Rowe deserved a standing ovation for her attempts to distract Katherine Michelle Tanner (middle sister Ivy) from sharing unwelcome news with Vi.

One problem was Scott Cooper's fixed set design, which limited visibility. Patrons sitting at stage left could not see the dining area, where several pivotal scenes occurred. Anyone sitting close to the stage also had to crane his or her neck to watch the action in Johnna's attic room.

Another discomfort was the prolonged start of the play and first intermission – a 10-minute break that lasted nearly 30 minutes. But considering the play's length, the extra free time made for a very late evening.

Nevertheless, this production is well worth the pre-show nap and bum cushion.

When: Through Oct. 30; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: The Palladium Theatre, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg; call (727) 823-7529 or visit www.americanstage.org

Tickets: $29-$47, depending on date and time of performance

Running Time: Approximately 200 minutes