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To conquer Broadway

By Rohan Preston Star Tribune of Minneapolis

CHICAGO — Tracy Letts' August: Osage County rattles through the closets of ­family history with a twisting, turning gusto that has been likened to a soap opera and a Eugene O'Neill saga. The darkly entertaining play about a highly dysfunctional Oklahoma family already has won this year's Pulitzer Prize and has been nominated for seven Tony Awards.

But August, which The New York Times called ”the most exciting new American play Broadway has seen in years,“ is remarkable not simply for its dramaturgical muscle. The production could be an inspiration for regional theaters outside New York. Directed by Anna Shapiro, it originated in Chicago at Steppenwolf Theatre with a local cast and creative team, nearly all of which remained with it for the transfer to Broadway.

Will this highly praised, Chicago-born drama also conquer Sunday night's Tony Awards? And are there lessons to be drawn by regional companies from the success of a small company?

”I wouldn't presume to tell anyone how to run their companies,“ said Steppenwolf artistic director Martha Lavey. ”Be committed to your mission. Stick to your knitting.“

At Steppenwolf, a theater with a regular ensemble of actors, writers (including Letts) and directors, there is keen attention to fostering new plays. The company has been vigorously involved in new-play development since 1996, when Lavey became artistic director.

”There's a repertory of work in which we commission three new plays, which we do annually in rotating rep in July and August,“ Lavey said. ”We have relationships we've nurtured over a number of years that allow us to get deep into something.“ That relationship allowed actors and playwright a familiarity.

”There was a story (Letts) wanted to tell that originated in family biography,“ Lavey continued. ”He had this ensemble here for which he could really envision those roles. It was a lot of things meeting their moments.“

Letts has been involved with Steppenwolf for 15 years. His next play, Superior Donuts, previews next week at Steppenwolf.

”It's gratifying to have our talents, our efforts validated,“ Lavey said. ”And I love the fact that our artists are having a kind of impact.“