BWW Reviews: More of the Same Brilliance with Rep's THE GREAT SOCIETY

Sometimes a bit of greatness, when combined with an equally great companion can form something so amazing that they surpass the heights to which they've already achieved. Such is the case with Tony Kushner's "Angels in America", the cycle of plays from August Wilson and, in my opinion, even Tarantino's "Kill Bill" saga. Well now we can add another set to the group as the Seattle Rep is now presenting the companion piece to the Robert Schenkkan's LBJ bio-play "All the Way" with the equally stunning "The Great Society". And if the first one grabbed you like it did me, then this one will only serve to extend that wild ride but in a very different way.

In "All the Way" we witnessed the rise to power that President Lyndon Johnson (Jack Willis) achieved following the death of John F Kennedy and his "accidental Presidency" though his actual election to the office. But if "All the Way" is the rise then "The Great Society" is the fall as Johnson attempts to make good on his promises of racial equality and financial stability of the country in the face of heightening racial tensions as well as the war in Vietnam. As the problems mount, his "Great Society" he is attempting to build crumbles as those with their own agendas block his path. Martin Luther King Jr. (Kenajuan Bentley) with his quest for equality at any cost, J. Edgar Hoover (Richard Elmore) with his secrets, Gov. George Wallace (Jonathan Haugen) with his segregationist ways and Robert Kennedy (Danforth Comins) with his own bid for power each chipping away at the world Johnson is trying to create.

Director Bill Rauch continues his amazing work but adds in a vein of tragedy throughout as we watch this once powerful and orderly world disintegrate and Johnson along with it. And speaking of Johnson, Willis' performance once again astounds as he completes his emotional journey through Johnson's presidency and we see this great man become beaten down and broken. It's quite a stunning thing to see especially as you see the anguish and pain he was feeling for all of the soldiers and protestors who died during his time in office. Bentley also brings his arc full circle with his powerful portrayal of Dr. King who just wanted equality for all. Comins once again shines in multiple roles as the ambitious Kennedy as well as the idealistic Marine Charles Robb. And speaking of double or should I say quintuple duty, Haugen is magnificent in his vast array of roles ranging from Gov. Wallace to President Nixon to the heartbreaking suicide protestor Norman Morrison and more. But the show, just like part one, is absolutely filled to the brim with incredible performances and there's not a bad one in the bunch.

And also just like part one this show demands to be seen. It's nothing less than a brilliant extension of the first one and a culmination of Schenkkan's masterwork and deserves no less than a hearty WOW with my three letter rating system. Another must see. If you caught the first one then there's no option but to catch this one. And if you didn't, the Rep still has it running in conjunction with it's companion through the end of the run so what are you waiting for? Just do it!

"The Great Society" as well as "All the Way" performs at the Seattle Rep through January 4th. For tickets or information contact the Seattle Rep box office at 206-443-2222 or visit them online at www.seattlerep.org.

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