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Last night I saw All My Sons and I will say, without hesitation that it is one of the best plays I’ve seen.  I’ll preface by saying that I don’t often see straight plays.  Often times my rule-of-thumb is, if it’s not a musical then I don’t bother.  I need numbers, movement AND story.  I was happily proven wrong with August: Osage County and I was proven wrong again last night.

A simple stage.  A box of grass, a tree, pieces of a classic silver metal fence creating a border on a “yard”.  The back wall covered with wood siding with only one shuttered window.  The show opens with the use of cleanly projected text on the back wall.  An element used throughout the show to open the Acts and to provide subtle narrative and direction.  A multimedia touch that I first saw excellently employed by Roust Theatre Company in their Fringe 2007 show, 516.  Other touches include excellent use of subtle almost inaudible audio to set the mood.  Matched with some of the most excellent constant light cues utilizing every stage light that I now of.  The audio and lighting was employed as if it were a filmed drama.  And these actors are no foreigners to being behind a camera.

Though I’m sure the nearly sold out Wednesday crowd was there becuase of the draw of the ever popular Katie Holmes, she does not run the show.  John Lithgow, one of the greats of our era almost steals the show with his effortless work.  Patrick Wilson, is amazing.  But in my humble opinion, Diane Wiest commands this ship.  Diane captures everyone from the start and sets the mood constantly.  It is her and her alone who takes you on the ride.

A touching 3 Act one intermission show that is most definitely a must see.  I’ve never seen a play that has drawn me in this most recent adaption at the Schoenfeld has.  The capitvating performances involved me.  It was engaging. Riveting and affecting.  Extremely well executed.

You have until January 11th to see it.  There is currently a 40% BroadwayOffers discount available at BroadwayBox.com.