Venice Theatre: Local Stage Hosts 'August: Osage County'
The award-winning play opens November 20 at the Pinkerton Theatre, featuring a mix of local veterans and new arrivals in a production backed by community sponsors.
By Nadia Rahman ·
Tracy Letts’ dark comedy “August: Osage County” opens Friday, Nov. 20, at the Venice Theatre’s Pinkerton Theatre. The production runs through Sunday, Dec. 13. This marks the first time Artistic Director Murray Chase has staged the work, a piece he first saw on Broadway in 2008.
Chase described the original performance as the shortest three hours he had ever spent in a theater. He noted that despite its dark themes, the play remains one of the funniest he knows. He believes the script illuminates family dynamics, particularly during difficult times.
The play centers on the Weston family in Oklahoma. The story begins when Beverly Weston, the family’s poet, vanishes without warning. His wife, Violet, remains behind with a grip on reality that prescription drugs do not help. Their three daughters and other relatives descend on the homestead. Old wounds surface, alliances shift, and secrets emerge.
Letts drew inspiration from his own childhood in Oklahoma for the script. The play echoes family tragedies, including the suicide of his grandfather. It previously won five Tony Awards, including Best Play, and the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Letts also adapted the work for a 2013 film starring Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, and Sam Shepard.
Venice Theatre artistic director Murray Chase highlighted the intimacy of the 90-seat Pinkerton Theatre. He stated that the audience will feel as if they are in the living room with the characters. The production features a mix of local talent, regulars, and new arrivals. Lynne Doyle, recently seen in “Agnes of God,” plays Violet Weston. Chicago transplant Meredith Templeton makes her debut as Barbara Fordham.
Other cast members include veterans Neil Kasanofsky, Natalia Mock, Eddie Edenfield, Jim Parise, Michael Onori, and Laurie Colton. Newcomers Nancy Huffaker, Richard Lambert, and Claire Alfree join the stage. Venice Theatre alumnus Andrew Morgan Larkin and current student Delaney Lockwood also appear in the production.
Performances occur Tuesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. However, the Saturday, Dec. 5, performance moves to 2 p.m. due to the Venice Boat Parade later that evening. Tickets are $40 for adults and seniors. College students and current educators pay $30. Youth tickets are $19. The play features strong language and mature themes, so Venice Theatre advises adults to check content before bringing anyone under 18.
Jim Amling and Redenta, along with Steve Picazio, are sponsoring the production. On Sunday, Dec. 6, director Murray Chase and cast members will hold a talk-back session after the matinee. The session is open to everyone, including those who did not attend that day’s performance. For tickets, visit VeniceTheatre.org or call 941-488-1115.
