August: Osage County
“August: Osage County” by American playwright Tracy Letts premiered at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre in June 2007 and debuted on Broadway in December of the same year.
When Beverly, the Weston family patriarch, goes missing, a web of estranged family members travel home to gather around his vitriolic spouse, Violet. The play is semi-autobiographical, and Letts explores themes of addiction, suicide, and generational trauma from his own childhood in Oklahoma.
In 2008, August: Osage County won the Tony Award for Best Play, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Broadway Play, the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. In 2013, the play was adapted into an award-winning film.
(Mature Content Advisory)
What the critics said:
“Sherburne Music-Theater Society is an award-winning community theatre whose dedication to excellence, while providing an opportunity for talented local thespians and musicians to utilize their skills, has provided many audiences with memorable performances and statewide recognition. SMTS is a member of the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS) and the American Association of Community Theatres (AACT).”
If you are interested in learning more about SMTS or would like to join us, please contact any of our Board Members or find Sherburne Music-Theater Society on Facebook.
When Beverly, the Weston family patriarch, goes missing, a web of estranged family members travel home to gather around his vitriolic spouse, Violet. The play is semi-autobiographical, and Letts explores themes of addiction, suicide, and generational trauma from his own childhood in Oklahoma.
In 2008, August: Osage County won the Tony Award for Best Play, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Broadway Play, the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. In 2013, the play was adapted into an award-winning film.
(Mature Content Advisory)
What the critics said:
- "August: Osage County" is "probably the most exciting new American play Broadway has seen in years" and a "ferociously entertaining" story of a "dysfunctional family drama".
- It's described as "harrowing" and "hilarious," offering "shocks, surprises, and delights," while still retaining a "moving, heart-sore core".
- Tracy Letts is praised for his "uncanny ear for the way people express themselves". The play offers a "bitingly funny dark comedy".
- Some critics highlight the play's unique blend of "epic tragedy with black comedy".
- It's a "masterpiece" for some, with its "dysfunctionally twisted" narrative.
“Sherburne Music-Theater Society is an award-winning community theatre whose dedication to excellence, while providing an opportunity for talented local thespians and musicians to utilize their skills, has provided many audiences with memorable performances and statewide recognition. SMTS is a member of the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS) and the American Association of Community Theatres (AACT).”
If you are interested in learning more about SMTS or would like to join us, please contact any of our Board Members or find Sherburne Music-Theater Society on Facebook.