The Playgoer: Dennis Letts

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Monday, February 25, 2008

Dennis Letts

If you're a fan of August: Osage County then you probably already know that the author's father was in the original cast. Sadly Dennis Letts has now passed away after struggling with cancer through much of the run.

Mr. Letts created the role in the Steppenwolf Theatre Company's world premiere of August in summer 2007, and moved with the troupe to Broadway. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2007 after the Windy City run.

"His choice to persevere with the New York production in the face of his devastating diagnosis is a testament to his love for the project and the people involved," Tracy Letts said in a statement. "Dad had a full and fascinating life, and August: Osage County was the cherry on top."

Having still not seen the show yet, I'm sorry I will have missed him.

He reportedly left the show only a few weeks ago, and is still listed on the official website's cast list. I assume his understudy, Munson Hicks, has taken over the role?

3 comments:

Steve On Broadway (SOB) said...

My apologies if this is a duplicate response.

I was very saddened to learn of Dennis Letts' passing. When I returned to August: Osage County for my second time on Valentine's Day, Munson Hicks had indeed stepped in for Letts.

While Hicks was good, I could not help but remember how Letts' brave and tender portrayal of Beverly Weston was what initially sucked me into the performance when I first saw the show in Chicago last summer.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear that. He was remarkable in the show. Funny, layered, idiosyncratic and real. He rang true.

Anonymous said...

The show went downhill as soon as he left the stage.