Looking for some entertainment and inspiration? I found both last night at the performance of ANN at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater.
Actress and playwright Holland Taylor created and stars in this no-holds-barred, one woman show about former Texas governor, the late Ann Richards. Recognizable from movies and television (most recently playing the mother on Two & A Half Men), Holland does a phenomenal job offering a funny and poignant peek into the life of a woman that led a historic life.
Holland adopts the fiery attitude and southern drawl of Richards to tell the audience how she made it from small-town Texas child to a divorcee mother of three and then to the Texas governor’s mansion. Her stories, manner and jokes kept the audience laughing throughout the performance.
It was truly a great tribute to a historic American figure. I was inspired by the story of how one woman was able to follow so many of life paths – daughter, wife, mother, friend, Governor, political pundit, celebrity. As topics in the news today revolve around women having it all and balancing work and families, this play really struck a chord for me. ANN played out on stage the choices that Ann Richards made and gave the audience an insider’s view into what that success looked and felt like on a daily basis.
In one scene, Ann is at her desk in the Governor’s Mansion juggling phone calls from then President Clinton about Supreme Court nominees, state lawyers regarding a stay for a death row inmate and her four grown children with whom she is planning a fishing weekend. It’s so easy to see only the ‘photo perfect’ side of success but to view the funny strengths of an individual and glimpse how they get through a day can really put life in perspective.
It was a great escape at the theater and makes me want to Google all I can about Ann Richards.
The show has been extended until September 1, 2013 and I would highly recommend it.
The playing schedule for ANN is: Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, with matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets range from $75 – $125 and can purchased at the Vivian Beaumont Theater box office, online at lct.org or through Telecharge.com (212-239- 6200). A limited number of tickets priced at $30 will be available at every performance through LincTix, LCT’s program for 21 to 35 year olds. For information or to enroll, visit LincTix.org. A, limited number of $30.00
For ticket information please visit http://www.
You can follow Holland Taylor on Twitter at www.twitter.com/
You can follow “Ann” on Twitter at www.twitter.com/
* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. Jill received tickets to a performance to facilitate this review. This will in no way sway our opinion. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.
1 comment
Plays that bring inspiration are priceless.