October 4, 2009

'Superior Donuts' sweet Broadway review roundup

Despite several comparisons to ’70s-era sitcoms, the new Tracy Letts play, “Superior Donuts,” charmed critics with its take on the American Dream.

The wry comedy stars Michael McKean as Arthur Przybyszewski, the proprietor of a faded Chicago doughnut shop in a changing Chicago neighborhood. Jon Michael Hill plays the young black employee with plans to recharge the business amid a cast of amusing regulars.

“Superior Donuts” has an open-ended run at the Music Box Theatre, 239 W. 45th St., map. Regular tickets are priced from 76.50 to $116.50. Premium seats are $151.50 to $251.50.

The reviews for “Superior Donuts” on Broadway:

Variety - “The writing is often formulaic and the conclusion contrived, but “Superior Donuts” is a soulful play, full of humor and humanity.”

Post - “The show is a timely reminder of the heady pleasure ace actors and ace storytelling can bring.”

New York Times - “The style and setting of Mr. Letts’s new play strongly evoke Norman Lear’s groundbreaking shows of the 1970s, which mixed smart jokes and social commentary in satisfying proportions. “Superior Donuts” may be familiar and unchallenging, but it’s also comfortable — and no, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Daily News - “The comedy-drama at the Music Box crosses the urban eatery setting of August Wilson’s ‘Two Trains Running’ with the snappy banter of the 1970s sitcom ‘Chico and the Man.’”

Hollywood Reporter - “Tracy Letts’ follow-up to “August: Osage County” is a far different but highly entertaining slice of Chicago life.”

Chicago Tribune - “A huge hit in Chicago and now significantly reshaped and refried for Broadway, “Superior Donuts” is still an unabashed homage to the people of Letts’ adopted hometown. But this is now a tighter, sharper and funnier affair.”

NY1 - “‘Superior Donuts’ is very funny and also gut-punching sad, but ultimately it’s a redemptive tale about community and the need to let go of the past, however painful”

Newsday - “It also has a breakout star-making Broadway debut by Jon Michael Hill.”

Associated Press - “But then all nine actors, under the direction of Tina Landau, are superb in this production, which has come to New York by way of Chicago’s esteemed Steppenwolf Theatre Company.”

LA Times - “The strong cast is headed by a superb Michael McKean, whose performance is bound to be remembered as one of the high points of the season.”

USA Today - “No one who has studied Letts’ writing could say that the guy doesn’t have a heart, but he has never worn it on his sleeve as unabashedly as he does here”

Bloomberg - “The performances are uniformly solid. Michael McKean’s lovably understated Arthur is perfectly balanced by Jon Michael Hill’s lively Franco. Kate Buddeke’s discreetly longing Randy and Jane Alderman’s drunkenly droll Lady are equally fine, as are the complementary menace of Robert Maffia’s loquacious Luther and Cliff Chamberlain’s laconic Kevin.”

Wall Street Journal - “The result is a heartfelt piece of dead-serious entertainment that holds your attention all the way from the first punchline to the last blackout.”

Steve on Broadway - “Yet in many more ways, Superior Donuts is the antithesis of August: Osage County. His latest work ostensibly leaves its audience with hope rather than despair, a challenge to wake up to the world around us rather than to shut it out.”

October 4, 2009 6:30 PM in Broadway

®Copyright 2004 - 2010, All Rights Reserved