August: Osage County is a new play that hit the scenes in June of 2007. With such a brief production history having only played at three theatres I will contribute how the play was brought to life.
The play was written by Tracy Letts who is a member of the ensemble member of Steppenwolf Theatre located in Chicago, Il. Steppenwolf is committed to the development and production of new work. Through its New Plays Initiative, Tracy Letts has created all of his plays. Through reading and workshops, the ensemble members helped develop August: Osage County and launch its debut June 28th- August 26th 2007. The ensemble members served as producer for this production.
Featuring ensemble members:
Ian Barford
Francis Guinan
Mariann Mayberry
Amy Morton
Sally Murphy
Jeff Perry
Rondi Reed
Rick Snyder
With:
Deanna Dunagan
Kimberly Guerrero
Fawn Johnstin
Dennis Letts
Troy West
DESIGNERS, AUTHORS & CREW
Author: ensemble member Tracy LettsDirected by: ensemble member Anna D. ShapiroScenic Design: Todd RosenthalCostume Design: Ana KuzmanicLighting Design: Ann WrightsonOriginal Music: David SingerSound Design: Richard WoodburyStage Manager: Deb StyerAssistant Stage Manager: Michelle MedvinDramaturg: Edward Sobel
August: Osage County moved to Broadway after it closed in Chicago.
It played at the Imperial Theatre located on 45th Street in New York City.
The began with previews on October 30th opening on November 20th with a sixteen week limited engagement. The producer is Jeffrey Richards and the cast members remained the same from the original in Chicago
It moved to the Music Box Theatre on March 2, 2008 and the cast member that changed are Estelle Parsons as Violet, Frank Wood as Bill, Jim Frost as Little Charles, Molly Regan as Mattie Fae and Robert Foxworth as Uncle Charlie. The rest remained the same and it still is currently running.
The orginal cast will join again when they take August Osage County to London. The first time in 20 years Steppenwolf has been back.
A world tour is scheduled for September 2009 starting in San Francisco
The production that is most notable would the orignal in Chicagos Steppenwolf. It was met with great reviews and patrons of the theatre knew this would go on. The whole process of the ensemble members that helped bring this play to fruition is amazing. It is not often that actors get to participate in a creation of a new work and take it to Broadway. The whole process is truly an artistic format. That most people would relish in being a part of.
