Superior Donuts- first day of rehearsal for the Broadway production

I love first days.  The first day of school was always an exciting day for me. First days are filled with pent up anticipation, hold great promise and hope and, are filled with wonderful nervous energy.  Today was the first day of rehearsal for the new Tracy Lett's play, Superior Donuts. I am one of the producers.  And it was a terrific start. 

Let me just say the entire cast is excellent (I attended the read through). And, mark my words, the newcomer John Michael Hill is about to become a celebrated Broadway actor. I had never met the author or the director or any of the actors.  They were all warm, friendly and, ernest. And most of them will be making their Broadway debuts with this production.  

Tracy Letts is a good natured, very friendly guy who is thankful to have another one of his plays produced on Broadway. Tina Landau is down to earth, cool, and easy-going. The highlight of the meet and greet (when everyone involved in the production introduces themselves to each other) was reconnecting with the Stage Manager Artie Gaffin. Artie stage-managed the Broadway revival of Tom Stoppard's Jumpers which, was my Broadway debut.  He is one of the finest stage managers I've ever worked with and as anyone who has been involved a production knows, the stage manager sets the tone in the building and is vital to the emotional health of the cast and crew. Artie makes everybody in the building feel comfortable and his simple love of life is contagious.

I am excited to be a part of this new production. Superior Donuts was the most successful play in the Steppenwolf Theatre's history. Coming off the success of August:Osage County, Tracy Letts has written a completely different type of play.  Superior Donuts is about entrepreneurship, friendship, hope, In the intersection of cultures which makes America a great nation it is.  It is an uplifting piece of theater that I think will leave a lasting impression on the Broadway landscape.  I think you'll enjoy it and if you need any help getting tickets stay tuned, I'll be posting a special offer for my blog readers very soon.

Comments

[Esther]

I already have my ticket for late October and I can't wait to see it! I've heard so many great things about the play and especially about Jon Michael Hill.