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Praise for Kennedy at Colonus: The Journey of Robert F. Kennedy
“Laurence Carr’s well built, often witty play deserves good marks for attempting to grapple with an important political figure and major events of the 1960s…the play manages moments of genuine lightness…a drama that entertains even as it burnishes the Kennedy myth.”
Herbert Mitgang, The New York Times, 6/15/84
“Another standout in independent Off-Broadway production was Laurence Carr’s exceptionally theatrical Kennedy at Colonus, directed by Stephen Zuckerman…a distinctly worthy play.”
Otis L. Guernsey, The Burns Mantle Theatre Yearbook: The Best Plays of 1984-1985
“Carr has entered dangerous waters and come out alive. His cleverly crafted, guileless little piece for five actors is a gem of minimalism. It’s like a studio production of a grand opera that captures the sweep of a full production through suggestion. His script is fast, taut and full of authoritative exchanges.”
Edward Hayman, The Detroit News, 11/29/84
“…the production has a striking immediacy…Watching Kennedy at Colonus, you might get some intimation of how Elizabethans felt when seeing Henry V.”
Ron Cohen, Women’s Wear Daily, 6/25/84
“Laurence Carr’s play covers Robert F. Kennedy’s public life with selected wit and emotion…[it is] arresting and lively.”
Lawrence Devine, Detroit Free Press, 10/28/84
“It is a fascinating work…that replicates history in a series of punchy scenes.”
The Hollywood Reporter, Los Angeles, 7/11/84
“Carr’s play has the capacity to bring a lump to the throat…It is also a shocking reminder of a nation suffering from chronic self-immolation.”
The Windsor Star, Ontario, Canada, 10/30/84
“The Attic production is noting short of stunning…[it] masterfully guides its audience through nearly every decade of politics…well worth an evening’s entertainment.”
The Center News, Detroit, 11/5/84
“The play should be suggested viewing.”
Ypsilanti Press, MI, 11/18/84
“Kennedy at Colonus manages to work well as political-historical theatre…The pace itself suggests a rush of history.”
The Daily Tribune, Royal Oak, MI, 11/1/84
“An important, hopeful evening full of humor and insight awaits…Here is a play which can help us put that era in perspective.”
Madison Heights Weekly, 11/14/84
“Why did I believe Kennedy at Colonus completely…when so many multi-million dollar TV docu-dramas fall flat?…The chill was there because the production made one whole lifetime a reality for me again.”
The South End, Detroit, 11/1/84
“It is a terse, thoughtful look…sharply acted by an ensemble of five performers who didn’t miss a beat in a rapid dissection of RFK’s life. The myth is humanized. See it!”
The Oakland Sail, 11/5/84
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Kennedy at Colonus Script History
The play was commissioned by producer Terry Hodge Taylor.
The play opened in June, 1984 at the 47th Street Playhouse in New York City. It was produced by Terry Hodge Taylor, Horner/Stuart Productions, Hinks Shimberg, Gold ‘n Gay Productions, and Ted Tobias (Associate Producer)
The production was directed by Stephen Zuckerman
Production Stage Manager: David Wahl
The company included:
Christopher Curry Robert F. Kennedy
Will Jeffries Actor #1
Nicholas Wyman Actor #2
Beth McDonald Actor #3
Daniel Whitner Actor #4
Understudies: Elton Cormier, Mimi Bensinger, and Tommy Hicks
Philipp Jung Set and Costume Design
Betsy Adams Lighting Design
Robert Kerzman Sound Design
The play was produced at the Attic Theatre in Detroit, Michigan, October, 1984,
directed by Laurence Carr
The company included:
Tony Cormier Robert F. Kennedy
Michael Francis Clarke Actor #1
Andrew MacCracken Actor #2
Naomi Kay Actor #3
Robert Levoyd Wright Actor #4
Philipp Jung Set and Costume Design
Gary Decker Lighting Design
Bill Clyne Sound Design
The play was produced as a staged reading at the CAST Theatre Foundry Series in January 1988, produced by Ted Schmidt, Producing Artistic Director and Diana Gibson, Associate Artistic Director/Dramaturg.
The reading was directed by Steve Nevil and the company included:
Will Jeffries Robert F. Kennedy
Web Williams Actor #1
Steve Vinovich Actor #2
Valerie Charles Actor #3
Rif Hutton Actor #4
Kennedy at Colonus had two additional staged readings in Los Angeles.
The Cort Theatre, West Hollywood, CA
The reading was directed by Stephen Zuckerman.
The cast included:
Christopher Curry
Greg Daniel
Will Jeffries
Mary Jo Negro
Norman Snow
The Victory Theatre, Burbank, CA, staged reading produced by Neon Arts Productions
April 16, 1989.
The Burbage Theatre Ensemble, West LA, optioned the play for production.
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