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Fucking A
The Red Letter Plays: Fucking A is playing at the Signature Theatre located at 480 West 42nd Street. It runs two hours fifteen minutes with one intermission. The play closes on October 1, 2017.
Susan-Lori Parks is the playwright. She won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 201 for Topdog/Underdog. This play was written in 2000. It premiered at the Diverse Works Art Space in Houston, Texas on February 24, 2000.
Brandon Victor Dixon was nominated for two Tony Awards for Shuffle Along (2016) and The Color Purple (2006).
Marc Kudisch was nominated for three Tony Awards for 9-5 (2009), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2005) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002).
Christine Lahti is known for her role in Chicago Hope, which she won an Emmy Award in 1998. She is appearing in Blacklist and Hawaii Five-O. Most recently she has been seen on Broadway in God of Carnage (2009).
Hester Smith (Christine Lahti) does abortions. She is branded with the letter A. A former patient Canary Mary (Joaquina Kalukango) is now a good friend.
Canary Mary is the mistress of the town mayor (Marc Kudisch). His wife The First Lady (Elizabeth Stanley) comes from a wealthy family. She wants a child but can’t conceive.
Hester has a son in jail. She has been saving money to get him out. Hester worked for the First Lady’s family. Her son stole food because he was hungry and ten. The First Lady saw it and reported it to her parents. He was sent to jail.
Every time Hester tries to get him out they tell her he has done something bad and the amount owned is more.
When he was arrested she bit his arm and hers in the same place. It was a way of recognizing him when he was older.
Life is starting to look good for Hester. She falls for the Butcher (Ralph Nash Thompson).
Events happen, other people come into the story that I don’t want to spoil it for you.
Her son is known as Monster (Brandonn Victor Dixon).
This is a remarkable play. The cast shines. Not only does the cast act but they play instruments and some sing. Several play several roles.
This is a must see show. This has been so far one of Suzan-Lori Parks best production done.
Review by Rozanna Radakovich.