Superior Donuts - See it in Philly Through April 3, 2011

Tracy Letts

Playwright Tracy Letts won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play August: Osage County.  He also won a Tony Award for the play.  The next year, he wrote Superior Donuts.  I missed it on Broadway when I was living in New York City so I was happy to learn I could see it in Philly.  It's currently at the Arden Theater in Old City for a few more days.

Superior Donuts reviews in Chicago, New York, and even Philadelphia were not glowing.  And most reviews did a comparison to August: Osage County.  The New York Times (6.30.2008) said,

(Letts') new play, “Superior Donuts,” which opened Saturday at the Steppenwolf Theater here, is a much less ambitious repast. It has a lot in common with the deep-fried breakfast food of the title. It’s insubstantial and sweet, with virtually no nutritional value.

The Chicago Tribune (10.1.2009) wrote,

So. Is “Superior Donuts” the next “August”? No. Another Great American Play? Nope. The one to beat for all the awards? It would have to be a lean year. Straight to Broadway? Don’t book your flight.

The Tribune was wrong on the last point as Superior Donuts did come to Broadway.  I also disagree with both papers in their overall assessments.

James William Ijames (left) and Craig Spindle

The Philadelphia production of Superior Donuts was excellent.  The actors were mostly very good; I especially liked the performances of Nancy Boykin (Lady Boyle), James William Ijames (Franco Wicks), and Craig Spidle (Arthur Przybyszewski).  The play was funny, provocative, and more real than its highly acclaimed sister. In fact, I saw August: Osage County on Broadway and I can easily say I liked Superior Donuts much better. 

Go see this play.  It gave me two hours and twenty minutes of entertainment and I wanted more.  Non-Philadelphians shouldn't be too surprised to find it near you, too, as it seems to be making the circuit.  Don't miss it when it comes to your area like I did in New York City.  You may not be as lucky as I was; you may not have a second chance.