The Lyons at The Vineyard Theatre

Despite all the free tickets I get to shows, I still have to shell out some hard-earned cash for many of the shows I see.  The Vineyard Theatre is one place I never regret that choice.  In fact, I actually ponied up for a membership a couple of years ago and I have never regretted the choice.  The Vineyard is home to some of the best, most interesting work you can see in New York.  How I Learned to Drive, Avenue Q, The Scottsboro Boys, [title of show], and the even the upcoming revival of On A Clear Day You Can See Forever all played  The Vineyard Theatre first (well, for On a Clear Day... it was a ).  Nicky Silver's new play The Lyons is just another in a long line of stellar productions from this incredible off-Broadway theater.


Here is what the Vineyard Theatre has to say about their latest show:

Ben Lyons is dying. When his wife, Rita, and grown children gather to say goodbye, they learn that, despite being a family, each of them is utterly isolated. Afraid of closeness and afraid of solitude, they are propelled into foreign territory — human connection. Tony Award®-winners Linda Lavin (BROADWAY BOUND, "Alice") and Dick Latessa (HAIRSPRAY, CABARET) lead the cast of this outrageously funny and poignant new play about a family you will not forget, from playwright Nicky Silver (The Vineyard’s PTERODACTYLS) and director Mark Brokaw (The Vineyard’s HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE).

 It should be said that Linda Lavin was in the Kennedy Center production of Follies that is now on Broadway as well as Lincoln Center's production of Other Desert Cities which is also coming to Broadway.  Word is she turned down both transfers to star in this production of The Lyons.  She definitely made the right choice.  Rita Lyons is a fantastic part and Lavin makes the most of every second of stage time.  Her comedic timing is impeccable.  Rita Lyons could easily seem too extreme or even cartoonish in less deft hands, but Lavin has created a portrait that is both extreme and totally believable.  Her performance alone would be reason enough to buy tickets to see this show.  Luckily, there is even more to love about this wonderful production.

I remember reading several of Nicky Silver's plays when I was in college and really liking them, but I had never seen one in performance until last night.  Like any good play it was even better on stage.  Silver expertly combines humor and pathos to create one of those rare nights in the theater where you really feel a wide range of emotions.  The humor heightens the tragic lives of these characters while their unhappiness is supporting the humor.  This balancing act works wonderfully and is enhanced by the stellar cast who plays everything full-tilt without ever drifting away from believeability. I can't praise this ensemble enough for their incredible performances.  Thank goodness it is a small house so you have the ability to really see every cutting glance, every emotion flickering across their faces.  From triumph to tragedy The Lyons sucks you in and refuses to let go until it is through with you.

 The Lyons is currently in previews for an October 11th opening with a limited run through October 30th.  Don't miss it!

Want to see for yourself?  Buy tickets here.