In Gary, Taylor Mac's singular world view intersects with Shakespeare's first tragedy, Titus Andronicus. In Mac's extraordinary new play, set during the fall of the Roman Empire, the years of bloody battles are over. The civil war has ended. The country has been stolen by madmen, and there are casualties everywhere. And two very lowly servants are charged with cleaning up the bodies. It's only 400 B.C. - but it feels like the end of the world.
Gary is a farce, a piece of messy circus whose many tones and shades will likely divide audiences and critics. But there is nothing like it on Broadway, and that is to be welcomed. It is an argument for art, and a passionate call for resistance-a pie of clashing ingredients just as is served for tea in the play. All three characters make their own brave moves at the end to effect some kind of change.
Were it not for Lane's participation, 'Gary' might have premiered instead at the Public Theater or another Off-Broadway venue open to its combination of Shakespeare, physical comedy and sincerity. One can't help but admire Lane's willingness to take part in an unpredictable new work instead of another revival. He gives an absolutely committed performance as a sad and sensitive clown/struggling everyman while being backed by two superb comic actresses.
2019 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Wig and Hair Design | Campbell Young Associates |
2019 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Julie White |
2019 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play | Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Costume Design of a Play | Ann Roth |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Direction of a Play | George C. Wolfe |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Lighting Design of a Play | Jules Fisher |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play | Kristine Nielsen |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play | Julie White |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Play | Taylor Mac |
2019 | Tony Awards | Best Scenic Design of a Play | Santo Loquasto |
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