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Audiences and critics alike are cheering our powerful new production of A Lesson Before Dying, a play by Romulus Linney based on the acclaimed novel by Ernest J. Gaines.
"Gripping...splendidly acted...[His] character's frustration and slow insight burn like a fuse in KenYatta Rogers's tense, vivid performance...[Shane] Taylor delivers some heartbreaking moments...[Timothy] Douglas's still, calm staging conveys profound respect that the audience is compelled to share, particularly with news of the Jena 6 and Little Rock 9 in mind." - Nelson Pressley, The Washington Post
"Four stars...A topnotch production of a superb play about the meaning of courage in the segregated South of the 1940s...There are nights in the theater that are so electric, so compelling, that even critics want to weep with joy. Opening night of A Lesson Before Dying at Round House Theatre was one of those nights...This is a superb production...Director Timothy Douglas has the wisdom to let a compelling play and a brilliant cast speak for themselves...The audience is better for having seen it." - Leslie Milk, Washingtonian.com
"It will be many years of theater going before you experience such superb acting, perfect directing (Timothy Douglas) and incisive plot as in the current production of A Lesson Before Dying playing at the Round House in Bethesda." - Bob Anthony, allartsreview4you.com
"Director Timothy Douglas' production seems as epic as classic Greek tragedy...Mr. Taylor's outstanding performance shows Jefferson pierced to the core by humiliation... Mr. Rogers' indelible performance as Grant burns hot with bitterness and resentment... a cadre of fine actors...make this Lesson a flesh-and-blood message you can take to heart." - Jayne Blanchard, The Washington Times
"Together, the performances of KenYatta Rogers and Shane Taylor were absolutely compelling...Director [Timothy] Douglas effectively engaged the audiences' imaginations. We lived with the characters and empathized with them. We felt Jefferson's imprisonment. We watched him step out of his cell without seeing a single cell door open. We symbolically watched Jefferson die and yet live. A modern classic, A Lesson Before Dying is visually, aurally, psychologically, and emotionally breathtaking." - Tamera Izlar, DCtheatrescene.com
"Compelling...Taylor and Rogers both give intensely physical performances: Taylor the headstrong man fighting against his literal shackles, Rogers psychologically immobilized by anger and frustration, and they play off each off beautifully. In contrast, [Beverly] Cosham and [Rachel] Leslie convey the quiet strength of women who endure, showing their defiance in understated ways behind their outward subservience." - Susan Berlin, Talkinbroadway.com
"A Potomac Stages Pick for superb performances in an emotionally involving, life-affirming story...it is Rogers, Taylor and Cosham that give the production the strength of character that propels it from its intriguing premise to its inspiring but simultaneously devastating climax... a compelling and rightly troubling evening." - Brad Hathaway, Potomac Stages
"Masterful directing...Watching the physical metamorphosis of the character Jefferson from crouching cast-off despondent victim to the writing, caring, giving person facing his impending and yes, unjust execution, is a theatrical wonder...[an] amazing 'Lesson' at Round House Theater." - Debbie Minter Jackson, DCtheatrescene.com
"Shane Taylor [is] effortlessly effecting here...As the play builds to its climax...tears are well and truly jerked." - Glen Weldon, Washington City Paper
"The heart of Gaine's novel is carefully protected...an undeniably powerful piece of theater...There's an elegance and strength to [Rachel] Leslie's work [as Vivian Baptiste] that allows her to bring life to one of the show's most breathtaking moments. It is simple and lovely and deserving of ovations." - Tom Avila, MetroWeekly
A Lesson Before Dying is in its final weeks on our Bethesda stage through October 14, 2007 only.
Tickets are selling quickly. Click here to order yours today.
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