All articles tagged with #kenny leon
The Roundabout Theatre Company presents a heartfelt revival of Samm-Art Williams' play "Home" at Broadway's Todd Haimes Theatre, directed by Kenny Leon. The production, featuring Tory Kittles, Brittany Inge, and Stori Ayers, serves as a loving tribute to Williams, who passed away last month. The play, which follows the life of Cephus Miles, a Black farmer in the Jim Crow South, remains a powerful depiction of resilience and hope.
Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal are set to star in a Broadway revival of Shakespeare’s Othello in the 2024-25 season, directed by Kenny Leon. Washington will play the title role, with Gyllenhaal as Iago, marking his first New York stage encounter with the Bard. The production is expected to open in the spring of 2025, and further casting will be announced.
"Our Town," the iconic American drama by Thornton Wilder, will make its return to Broadway next fall in a new production directed by Kenny Leon. Leon, known for his prolific directing career, aims to create a diverse cast that speaks to contemporary America. This will be the sixth production of "Our Town" on Broadway, with the lead producer being Jeffrey Richards. No cast or theater has been announced yet.
Ato Blankson-Wood delivers a chilling performance as Hamlet in Kenny Leon's confused staging of "Hamlet" Off Broadway. The production, which seems to borrow elements from the concurrent play "Fat Ham," leaves the audience feeling sorry for Claudius and Gertrude, while Ophelia's mad scene and Osric's caricature-like portrayal add to the lack of focus. Despite Blankson-Wood's impressive performance, the production fails to fully capture the tragedy of Shakespeare's classic.
The Public Theater's production of "Hamlet" in Central Park offers insight and echoes for those familiar with the play, but may leave newcomers feeling excluded. The production, directed by Kenny Leon, features a prominent Black and military frame that is initially striking but ultimately irrelevant to the rest of the play. The trimming of the script, while necessary to keep the runtime manageable, results in some characters and storylines feeling underdeveloped. However, standout performances by Ato Blankson-Wood as Hamlet and Lorraine Toussaint as Gertrude bring depth to the production. Overall, the production offers fresh perspectives but may not fully satisfy those seeking a traditional rendition of "Hamlet."