Lombardi, a new American play from Academy Award-winning playwright Eric Simonson, is based on the best-selling Vince Lombardi biography “When Pride Still Mattered”, by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss.
Sport produces great human drama and there is no greater sports icon to bring to theatrical life than a man recognized not only as one of the greatest coaches of all time, but one of the most compelling and oft-quoted individuals in American pop culture in the 20th century. Though football’s Super Bowl trophy is named for him, so few know the real story of Vince Lombardi the man – his inspiration, his passion, and ability to drive people to achieve what they never thought possible. In a time when people continue to look for shortcuts to success, his story demonstrates that hard work, discipline, respect and time are the crucial elements to victory.
Though many scenes are static, director Thomas Kail ('In the Heights') scores points with his audience-friendly staging for this in-the-round theater. The production's touchdown comes when Lombardi drills the Pack on the power sweep, the play that helped make them unbeatable. As X's and O's rush across the bare stage and give way to images of players in green and gold, the play at last comes to life. It's the sort of winning moment Lombardi would expect - and that this show needs more of.
There is one scene that offers a genuine clash of ideas and personalities. Star running back Jim Taylor wants to have his agent represent him in salary negotiations. Taylor legitimately demands a piece of the game's ever-increasing profits, while the tradition-bound Lombardi bristles at the notion of a 'goddamn gutter-crawling' middleman getting between him and his players. Two worthy opponents who believe in their positions are locked in a dramatic conflict. It's strongly played by Dan Lauria, as the coach, and Chris Sullivan, as Taylor. But it's a rare highly charged moment in the middle of a Biography Channel–like documentary. Director Thomas Kail does little to increase the action, save for having David Korins' set revolve as a substitute for theatrical movement.
2010 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2011 | BroadwayWorld Awards | Best Featured Actress in a Play | Judith Light |
2011 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play | Judith Light |
2011 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Set Design | David Korins |
2011 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Set Design | Zachary Boroway |
2011 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Play | Judith Light |
2011 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play | Judith Light |
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