May 30, 2009

Obamas heading to Broadway to see 'Joe Turner'

President Obama and the First Lady are expected in New York this evening for a personal visit to see the Tony-nominated “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” on Broadway, according to the New York Times.

“Joe Turner” received stellar reviews from the critics when it opened in April.

The drama by playwright August Wilson is part of a 10-play decade-by-decade cycle depicting the African-American experience in the 20th century. “Joe Turner,” chronologically the second in the sequence, deals with racial issues in a post-slavery United States. (The title refers to the real person Joe Turney who, as the brother of Tennessee’s governor, was allowed to keep slaves in chain gangs on his plantation even after slavery ended.)

The show is up for six Tony awards: best revival of a play; best performance by a featured actor in a play for Roger Robinson; best direction of a play for Bartlett Sher; as well as best scenic, best lighting, and sound design for a play.

“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” is scheduled to play through June 14 at the Belasco Theatre, 111 W. 44th St., map. Tickets are priced from $51.50 to $96.50. Running time is 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Earlier this season, there was another president on Broadway, but in a completely different way. Will Ferrell’s comedy “You’re Welcome America. A Final Night with George W Bush,” played the Cort Theatre from Inauguration Day through March 15. That show has also been nominated for a Tony, in the best special theatrical event category.

Image source: Lincoln Center Theater

Earlier: ‘Billy Elliot,’ ‘Next to Normal’ lead Tony nominations
Michelle Obama to visit Met Museum, Am. Ballet gala

May 30, 2009 5:58 AM in Broadway, Midtown, Sightsology

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