Lombardi, a new American play from Academy Award-winning playwright Eric Simonson, is based on the best-selling Vince Lombardi biography “When Pride Still Mattered”, by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss.
Sport produces great human drama and there is no greater sports icon to bring to theatrical life than a man recognized not only as one of the greatest coaches of all time, but one of the most compelling and oft-quoted individuals in American pop culture in the 20th century. Though football’s Super Bowl trophy is named for him, so few know the real story of Vince Lombardi the man – his inspiration, his passion, and ability to drive people to achieve what they never thought possible. In a time when people continue to look for shortcuts to success, his story demonstrates that hard work, discipline, respect and time are the crucial elements to victory.
The director, Thomas Kail ('In the Heights'), manages traffic effectively, but the play's scattered structure and lack of a strong focus on its central character deprive it of forward momentum. Mr. Lauria, who bears a passable resemblance to Lombardi, supplies jolts of energy when he can, lacing the pep talks with gusto or stalking the living room with broody irritability, Pepto-Bismol in hand, when problems on the field arise. (The in-the-round set, by David Korins, subtly suggests the shape of a football stadium.) What no actor could provide is the compelling emotional or psychological substance that's absent from the writing.
Lombardi liked to say that while perfection isn't attainable, in chasing it we can catch excellence. Lombardi may aspire to and achieve something less, but there are worse ways to spend 95 minutes.
2010 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2011 | BroadwayWorld Awards | Best Featured Actress in a Play | Judith Light |
2011 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play | Judith Light |
2011 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Set Design | David Korins |
2011 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Set Design | Zachary Boroway |
2011 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Play | Judith Light |
2011 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play | Judith Light |
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