Constant Reader discussion

This play presents generational love and misunderstanding as well as anything I've read. Obviously, the story has everything to do with the lack of choices African-Americans had coming out of slavery and into a racist society. But, it also tells the story of everyone trying to struggle out of poverty. And, even more universally, it speaks to parents and children who love but can't cross those fences between each other. All these dynamics are keeping me awake after finishing but I still can't express it all adequately. Troy Maxson is a character that I won't forget for a long while. Thank you for introducing me to this playwright, Mina.

I just love August Wilson and what he was able to accomplish, Barbara. Are you picturing James Earl Jones as Troy Maxson? He, of course, won the Tony Award for his performance.

Yes, I am picturing James Earl Jones. That made it all the more powerful. A drawing of him holding a baseball bat is on the cover of the edition I read.

Rumor has it that Denzel Washington will play this part on Broadway in the Spring. I love Denzel (100% of thr black women and 90% of all women in America love Denzel), but I can't picture him in the part yet. I'm working on it.

I loved this one too - I agree that Troy is an unforgettable character and represents so many men from that era. Oddly enough I had no idea what a role baseball played in the story ahead of time (I'm a big fan).

I had not heard about Denzel in this role on Broadway. I know what you mean about not being able to picture him in it, but I think it has the potential to be a real game-changer for him as it would allow him to be seen as mature, rather than so many of his action-hero choices.

I may have to plan a trip to NYC to see this one.

Ok, so now that you have us hooked on August Wilson, which play would you recommend next?

We saw Denzel play Brutus in Julius Caesar in NYCity in 2005 on a trip to see our son. I thought he was having trouble making the transition from film to stage. It would be interesting to see if he is more able to do it playing Troy. I should say that my husband thought he was great though.

Al, I'm hoping you're right that Troy represents primarily men of that era. I've watched a number of father/son relationships like Troy and Cory's in which the son goes on to have the same problems with his own son. It's tragic.

August Wilson grew up in Pittsburgh, and many of his works are set in his home town.
The August Wilson Center for African American Culture opened in Pittsburgh this past fall. In November, the Aunt Ester Cycle was performed. The center is spectacular, and worth a trip to Pittsburgh.

http://www.augustwilsoncenter.org/eve...

MAP:

I saw an article about The August Wilson Center in the NY Times - it does look fantastic. I'm thinking if we ever did a CR convention in Pittsburgh it would be a must visit for this group.

I'm also thinking with the interleague play in baseball now if the Red Sox travel to Pittsburgh I'd do that trip in a heart beat.

Thank you, MAP! We make it to Pittsburgh at intervals because my husband's family is from the area. I'll try to remember this.

I was also thinking of some casting ideas for the new Broadway revival of Fences. I think Anthony Anderson would be great as the musician older son of Troy.

The August Wilson sounds incredible, MAP. I don't travel because of my heath, but if that changes in the future, I would love to see it.

Al, maybe Joe Turner's Come and Gone?

Just read this news on Fences casting - viola Davis as Rose - she will be perfect!

More and More I am thinking I will have to see this show on broadway this spring!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100106/a...

Also, Joe Turner sounds good to me. I think I am going to have to wait until after I read 2666

Oh, I am so jealous!

Oh my, this is going to be good.

Here's a NY Times video Of Denzel Washington and Viola Davis talking about "Fences", August Wilson, and working on Broadway. The production is in previews now and doing really well. This video is a lot of fun!

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2010/0...

The new production of "Fences" has been nominates for 10 Tony awards!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/04/the...

August Wilson also spent about a decade living here in St. Paul, Minnesota, so local people have long kept up with his work. Many of his plays had tryouts in the Twin Cities or have been staged here as revivals.

I am hoping to see Fences next week while on a brief trip to New York - but I haven't figured out which night that might be as of yet.

All, as already noted, the Pittsburgh connection to August Wilson continues. Please see this link about a new production of Jitney:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10127/...

By the way, the actor featured, Sala Udin is a friend (in both a Facebook and a face-to-face sense).

It turns out that Fences is sold out well into June, except for a $300 ticket that I was unwilling to buy.

But I'm happy instead that I got a ticket for the play about the painter Mark Rothko ("Red"), starring Albert Molina - there was an interesting review in The New Yorker not too long ago.

Philip:

I know some people who have seen Red and loved it. I think you will enjoy it. I have seen Alfred Molina on Broadway in other shows and he is always excellent.

Oh yes Al-FRED not Al-BERT Molina - I'll report back.