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The Velocity of Autumn 2014

Opened: April 21, 2014
Closing: May 04, 2014

The Velocity of Autumn - 2014 Broadway History , Info & More

Booth Theatre (Broadway)
222 West 45th St. New York, NY

Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons (Bonnie and Clyde, August: Osage County) and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella (Angels in America) earned rave reviews from critics and audiences alike in the new American Play The Velocity of Autumn at the Arena Stage in Washington D.C. Now this powerhouse duo is bringing their extraordinary chemistry to Broadway!

The Velocity of Autumn swirls around Alexandra, a 79-year-old artist in a showdown with her family over where she'll spend her remaining years. In Alexandra's corner are her wit, her volcanic passion and the fact that she's barricaded herself in her Brooklyn brownstone with enough Molotov cocktails to take out the block. But her children have their own secret weapon: estranged son Chris who returns after 20 years crawls through Alexandra's second floor window, and becomes the family's unlikely mediator. No sooner are the words "Hi, Mom" uttered than the emotional bombs start detonating. The Velocity of Autumn is a wickedly funny and wonderfully touching discovery of the fragility and ferocity of life.


The Velocity of Autumn - 2014 - Broadway Cast

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Velocity of Autumn

Aisle View: The Doddering Old Lady and the Kama Sutra
6 / 10

This is one of those 'is the old lady losing her marbles?' plays, in which the doddering, aching, creaking, 79-year-old heroine drifts from witty perceptiveness to the borders of senility and back at the snap of the playwright's whim, all the while wondering 'who is going to take care of my tree?' The best idea author Eric Coble and director Molly Smith have had is to get Estelle Parsons to play the role. Ms. Parsons is 86, by the calendar, but still has all her marbles and reservoirs of acting skill too. She needs them to get through the ins and outs of her character, a sweet old lady who's angry because her favorite son--the gay one, naturally--hasn't spoken to her in twenty years so she fills her Brooklyn brownstone and the stage of the Booth with homemade Molotov cocktails in liquor bottles.

Talking Mom Out of Bombing the Brownstone
7 / 10

Now 86, Ms. Parsons has lost little, if any, of her energy, and absolutely none of her ability to bring sustained, animated life to a well-drawn character...While the conversation occasionally strays into unprofitable byways, the play passes by breezily because Ms. Parsons is such fun to watch...'What the world is taking away from me, what time is taking away from me, what God is taking away from me - is me!' she says with a wail of despair at one point. In these moments, and in Ms. Parsons's more than capable hands, Mr. Coble's play rises above its slightly formulaic structure to become a dry-eyed, moving rumination on the hard fact that the progress of human life being what it is, truly happy endings are rare indeed.

TV Flashback: Estelle Parsons and Stephen Spinella Close THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN Today
by Robert Diamond - May 4, 2014


THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN will play its final performance at Broadway's Booth Theatre today, having played 22 preview and 16 regular performances. Starring Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella, THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN began performances on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 and opened Monday, April 21, 2014, following a sold-out, critically acclaimed run at Washington DC's Arena Stage in the fall of 2013.

TV: Chatting with Estelle Parsons and the Company of THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN on Opening Night!
by BroadwayWorld TV - April 22, 2014


All of Broadway's biggest stars aligned at the Booth Theatre last night to celebrate opening night ofThe Velocity of Autumn, a 90-minute powder keg dark comedy by Eric Coble. BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was at Sardi's to chat with the company at the after party, and you can check out interviews with the cast and creative team below!

TV: On the Red Carpet for Opening Night of THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN!
by Nicole Rosky - April 22, 2014


All of Broadway's biggest stars aligned at the Booth Theatre last night to celebrate opening night of The Velocity of Autumn, a 90-minute powder keg dark comedy by Eric Coble. BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was on the red carpet to chat with the evening's guests before the curtain went up, and you can check out interviews with Laura Osnes, Rory O'Malley, Christopher Sieber, Patrick Page, Gabriel Ebert and more below!

Photo Coverage: Inside THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN's Red Carpet Arrivals!
by Jennifer Broski - April 22, 2014


The Velocity of Autumn is a 90-minute powder keg dark comedy by Eric Coble that stars Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons (Bonnie and Clyde, 'Roseanne') and two-time Tony Award winnerStephen Spinella (Angels in America, Lincoln, '24'), is directed by Molly Smith and opened last night, April 21, 2014 at the Booth Theatre. BroadwayWorld was there for opening night and below you can check out photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals!

Photo Coverage: THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN Company Celebrates Opening Night
by Jennifer Broski - April 22, 2014


Just last night, April 21, Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons (Bonnie and Clyde, 'Roseanne') and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella (Angels in America, Lincoln, '24') celebrated opening night of The Velocity of Autumn- a 90-minute powder keg dark comedy by Eric Coble. BroadwayWorld was there for opening night, and below, you can check out photos from inside the after party!

Photo Coverage: Estelle Parsons & Stephen Spinella Take Opening Night Bows in THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN!
by Jennifer Broski - April 22, 2014


The Velocity of Autumn is a 90-minute powder keg dark comedy by Eric Coble that stars Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons (Bonnie and Clyde, 'Roseanne') and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella (Angels in America, Lincoln, '24'), is directed by Molly Smith and opened last night, April 21, 2014 at the Booth Theatre. BroadwayWorld was there for opening night and below you can check out photos from the first curtain call!

BWW Review: Parsons and Spinella Clash in THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN
by Michael Dale - April 22, 2014


Sometimes, all you have to do to get a laugh is have the curtain rise on Estelle Parsons in a room full of Molotov cocktails.

BWW Interview: Broadway Producer Van Dean Shares How to Help Newtown's 12.14 Foundation Through THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN
by Nicole Rosky - April 21, 2014


Following the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, the 12.14 Foundation was created with the mission of building a landmark Performing Arts Centre in Newtown, Connecticut, in memory of those lost on December 14, 2012. The foundation aims to develop a premier Academy of the Arts with help from local, national, and international collaborations. Through the collective efforts and contributions of local craftsmen and artisans, respected business professionals and corporations, and renowned designers, 12.14 will create a remembrance that expresses respect, passion, resilience and focus on a hope for the future. Now the foundation has teamed with the Broadway production of the Velocity of Autumn to give ticket-buyers an opportunity to contribute to the special cause. By simply entering discount code 'VA1214' when purchasing tickets to the play, $10 from every ticket purchased will be donated to the 12.14 Foundation. CLICK HERE to help the cause today! Producer of The Velocity of Autumn, Van Dean, has also worked extensively with the charity, having organized 'From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert For Sandy Hook' and the organization's 2013 production- Seussical. Dean took the time to chat with BroadwayWorld about the foundation's great work, future projects in Newtown, and how Broadway audiences can help. Check out the full interview below!

Review Roundup: THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN Opens on Broadway - All the Reviews!
by Review Roundups - April 21, 2014


The Velocity of Autumn by Eric Coble stars Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons (Bonnie and Clyde, 'Roseanne') and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella (Angels in America, Lincoln, '24'). It is directed by Molly Smith and opens tonight, April 21, 2014 at the Booth Theatre. Let's see what the critics had to say...

THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN Opens on Broadway Tonight at Booth Theatre
by Nicole Rosky - April 21, 2014


The Velocity of Autumn is a 90-minute powder keg dark comedy by Eric Coble that stars Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons (Bonnie and Clyde, 'Roseanne') and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella (Angels in America, Lincoln, '24'), is directed by Molly Smith and will open tonight, April 21, 2014. This limited Broadway engagement of The Velocity of Autumn follows a sold-out, critically acclaimed run at Washington DC's Arena Stage (Edgar Dobie, Executive Producer) in the fall of 2013.

TV: First Look at Estelle Parsons and Stephen Spinella Onstage in THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN!
by Nicole Rosky - April 16, 2014


Now in previews, The Velocity of Autumn is a 90-minute powder keg dark comedy by Eric Coble that stars Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons (Bonnie and Clyde, 'Roseanne') and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella (Angels in America, Lincoln, '24'), is directed by Molly Smith and will open Monday, April 21, 2014. This limited Broadway engagement of The Velocity of Autumn follows a sold-out, critically acclaimed run at Washington DC's Arena Stage (Edgar Dobie, Executive Producer) in the fall of 2013. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the new play on stage!

THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN Wins 2014 Telly Award
by Tyler Peterson - April 15, 2014


The Telly Awards announced the 2014 Award winners yesterday, naming the television spot for the new dark comedy THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN produced by AKA NYC the recipient of the 2014 Telly Award for Excellent Use of Humor (Local TV and Local Cable). "The Telly Awards has a mission to honor the very best in film and video," said Linda Day, Executive Director of the Telly Awards. "AKA NYC's accomplishment illustrates their creativity, skill, and dedication to their craft and serves as a testament to great film and video production."

Tickets to THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN's Opening Night Now On Sale
by Tyler Peterson - April 14, 2014


A limited number of Opening Night tickets are now on sale for THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN starring Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons (Bonnie and Clyde, "Roseanne") and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella (Angels in America, Lincoln, "24") at Broadway's Booth Theatre. The new 90-minute powder keg dark comedy by Eric Coble and directed by Molly Smith began performances on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 and officially opens on Monday, April 21, 2014 for a limited engagement, following a sold-out, critically acclaimed run at Washington DC's Arena Stage (Edgar Dobie, Executive Producer) in the fall of 2013.

Photo Flash: First Look at Estelle Parsons & Stephen Spinella in Broadway's THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN
by Tyler Peterson - April 7, 2014


Now in previews, THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN is a 90-minute powder keg dark comedy by Eric Coble that stars Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons (Bonnie and Clyde, "Roseanne") and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella (Angels in America, Lincoln, "24"), is directed by Molly Smith and will open Monday, April 21, 2014. After every preview performance of the new critically acclaimed American play THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN audience members will be invited to stay for a complimentary post-show "Inside Velocity" talkback, featuring different members of the cast and creative team. This limited Broadway engagement of THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN follows a sold-out, critically acclaimed run at Washington DC's Arena Stage (Edgar Dobie, Executive Producer) in the fall of 2013. Check out a first look at Parsons and Spinella in action below!

THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN Begins Previews on Broadway Tonight
by BWW News Desk - April 1, 2014


After every preview performance of the new critically acclaimed American play The Velocity of Autumn, from tonight, April 1, through Sunday, April 20, audience members will be invited to stay for a complimentary post-show 'Inside Velocity' talkback, featuring different members of the cast and creative team, at the Booth Theatre (222 West 45 Street).

Broadway's THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN Announces General Rush Policy
by Tyler Peterson - March 28, 2014


Producers Larry Kaye & HOP Theatricals and Van Dean & The Broadway Consortium announced today a general rush ticket policy for Eric Coble's new critically acclaimed American play The Velocity of Autumn, starring Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella and directed by Molly Smith. A limited number of $29 rush tickets (inclusive of $2 facility fee) will be available for each performance when the Booth Theatre box office (222 West 45 Street) opens for that day's performance(s). Patrons are limited to two tickets per person.

STAGE TUBE: Estelle Parsons Talks VELOCITY OF AUTUMN and More on TODAY
by Stage Tube - March 26, 2014


Estelle Parsons appeared on the TODAY show yesterday to chat with Kathie Lee and Hoda about her return to Broadway beginning next Tuesday, April 1, in THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN. Check out the interview below!

THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN's Estelle Parsons Set for THE TODAY SHOW Today
by BWW News Desk - March 25, 2014


Estelle Parsons, the Academy Award-winning star of the new Broadway play The Velocity of Autumn, will be interviewed live on NBC's 'Today' by Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb during the show's 10am hour (EST), today, March 25, 2014.

THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN to Host Talkback After Every Performance
by BWW News Desk - March 20, 2014


Producers Larry Kaye & HOP Theatricals and Van Dean & The Broadway Consortium announced today that after every preview performance of the new critically acclaimed American play THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN, from Tuesday, April 1, through Sunday, April 20, audience members will be invited to stay for a complimentary post-show 'Inside Velocity' talkback, featuring different members of the cast and creative team, at the Booth Theatre (222 West 45 Street).

TV: Stephen Spinella Talks Broadway Return in THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN
by BroadwayWorld TV - March 17, 2014


Tony-winner Stephen Spinella recently spoke about his upcoming return to Broadway and sparring with Estelle Parsons in The Velocity of Autumn. Check out the interview below!

Box Office for Broadway's THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN Now Open
by Tyler Peterson - March 10, 2014


Tickets for the new critically acclaimed American play THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN are now on sale at the Booth Theatre box office (222 West 45 Street). THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN will begin previews Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at Broadway's Booth Theatre for a limited engagement, following a sold-out, critically acclaimed run at Washington DC's Arena Stage (Edgar Dobie, Executive Producer) in the fall of 2013. THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN is a 90-minute powder keg dark comedy by Eric Coble that stars Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons (Bonnie and Clyde, 'Roseanne') and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella (Angels in America, Lincoln, '24'), is directed by Molly Smith and will open Monday, April 21, 2014. THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN will mark the Broadway debuts of playwright Eric Coble and director Molly Smith.

STAGE TUBE: Watch Estelle Parsons in New TV Spot for THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN
by Nicole Rosky - March 10, 2014


The Velocity of Autumn will begin previews Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at Broadway's Booth Theatre (222 West 45 Street) for a limited engagement, following a sold-out, critically acclaimed run at Washington DC's Arena Stage (Edgar Dobie, Executive Producer) in the Fall of 2013. The Velocity of Autumn is a 90-minute powder keg dark comedy by Eric Coble that stars Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons(Bonnie and Clyde, 'Roseanne') and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella (Angels In America, Spring Awakening), is directed by Molly Smith and will open Monday, April 21, 2014. The Velocity of Autumn will mark the Broadway debuts of playwright Eric Coble and director Molly Smith. BroadwayWorld brings you a just-released television spot for the play below!

TV: Chatting with Estelle Parsons and the Company of Broadway's THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN
by Nicole Rosky - March 3, 2014


The cast met the press this morning and BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was on hand to chat with the whole gang. Check out what Parsons and company had to say about the new play below!

Photo Coverage: Estelle Parsons and the Company of THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN Meet the Press!
by Walter McBride - March 3, 2014


The Velocity of Autumn will begin previews Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at Broadway's Booth Theatre (222 West 45 Street) for a limited engagement, following a sold-out, critically acclaimed run at Washington DC's Arena Stage (Edgar Dobie, Executive Producer) in the Fall of 2013. The Velocity of Autumn is a 90-minute powder keg dark comedy byEric Coble that stars Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons(Bonnie and Clyde, 'Roseanne') and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella (Angels In America, Spring Awakening), is directed by Molly Smith and will open Monday, April 21, 2014. The Velocity of Autumn will mark the Broadway debuts of playwright Eric Coble and director Molly Smith. The cast met the press this morning and BroadwayWorld was there for the big event. Check full photo coverage from the festivities below!

Up on the Marquee: THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN
by Walter McBride - March 3, 2014


The Velocity of Autumn will begin previews Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at Broadway's Booth Theatre (222 West 45 Street) for a limited engagement, following a sold-out, critically acclaimed run at Washington DC's Arena Stage (Edgar Dobie, Executive Producer) in the Fall of 2013. The Velocity of Autumn is a 90-minute powder keg dark comedy by Eric Coble that stars Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons(Bonnie and Clyde, 'Roseanne') and two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Spinella (Angels In America, Spring Awakening), is directed by Molly Smith and will open Monday, April 21, 2014. The Velocity of Autumn will mark the Broadway debuts of playwright Eric Coble and director Molly Smith. Check out photos of the marquee at the Booth Theatre below!

The Velocity of Autumn History

Other Productions of The Velocity of Autumn

2014   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway

The Velocity of Autumn - 2014 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2014 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Estelle Parsons
2014 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Actress in a Play Estelle Parsons
2014 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play Estelle Parsons

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