BWW Reviews: Seattle Rep Goes ALL THE WAY With a Stunner

I'm just going to stop you right here, Dear Reader. If you haven't already gone out and got your tickets for the Seattle Rep's production of Robert Schenkkan's "All the Way" then just stop reading this and go take care of that. I'll wait. Done? OK, now we can continue to talk about this juggernaut of a play that has completely lived up to all the hype that preceded it and more.

It's a slice of a tumultuous time in American history as Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson (Jack Willis) is made President following the assassination of President John. F. Kennedy. With only 11 months left in the term Johnson inherits the volatile Civil Rights Movement and the play takes us through the end of his term and into his campaign to be officially elected President.

It's all just history so we know what happens and how it ends. Which makes the fact that Schenkkan's script is so thrilling and suspenseful all the more impressive. It grabs from the word go and barrels though just as Johnson barreled though those around him. It's an absolutely stunning work that shows off this "accidental President" in a way that makes the almost 3 hour show (yup, it's a long one) just fly by. And that stunning script is only fueled by the oh so very fluid direction from Bill Rauch. It's so much less than staging and more choreography as the whole thing feels like a dance with Willis as Johnson leading his fellow actors and us around the floor with beautiful timing and grace. And I must mention the gorgeously simple yet utterly effective set by Christopher Acebo which is perfectly complimented by the video projections by Shawn Sagady that never become intrusive or overused but immerse us into the scene and the moment.

And then there's that cast. Oh that ensemble from the Gods who are all in perfect step with each other. Kenajuan Bentley is brilliant as Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as he deftly portrays a man at odds with doing right for his people and playing the political game. Michael Winters is absolutely vibrant as Sen. Richard Russell. And Peter Frechette makes for a truly compelling Sen. Hubert Humphrey as he serves as Johnson's whipping boy. And I must call out some completely heart wrenching moments from Bakesta King as Fannie Lou Hamer and Danforth Comins as Johnson's assistant Walter Jenkins. But then, the entire ensemble just shines.

But it's Willis who owns the play and the stage every time he's on stage. He's one of those actors that you cannot help but watch and hang on every word and his portrayal of Johnson is at the same time funny, powerful, and breathtaking. It's absolutely spectacular to see him wind his way through every situation like a snow cone salesmen selling to Eskimos and making it think it was their idea to buy. This is one of those performances for the ages. I know it was just done on Broadway but I really cannot imagine anyone doing it better than Willis.

This is a truly flawless production. A brilliant work executed perfectly and one that demands to be seen. If you haven't guessed by now I have no choice but to give this a solid WOW with my three letter rating system and cannot wait until the second part, "The Great Society" which explores Johnson's actual elected Presidency, that comes to the Rep next month. I won't be missing it and I urge you to catch it as well for your own sake.

"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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