August: Osage County

Broadway Across America **Photo credit: Robert J. Saferstein**
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
October 20 - 25, 2009

Review by peanutduck

In a narrow skeletal dollhouse burdened with weary dark furniture, the mother endeavors to eat her young. Tracy Letts’ acidic barbs, penetrating emotional violence, relentless examination of destructive self-hatred creates cliffhanger of dysfunctional family drama. Devastating conclusion. Riveting ensemble; mournful noir jazz. Only drawback: Letts’ and company’s playing up punchlines.