BY NOW EVERYONE knows that Horton Foote's acclaimed "The Young Man From Atlanta" has won the Pulitzer Prize. But everyone may not know that one of the season's finest ensembles is bringing that play to life nightly at the Longacre Theater - namely Shirley Knight, Biff Monroe and Rip Torn.
Ms. Knight is surely one of acting's great treasures. She has twice been Oscar-nominated ("Sweet Bird of Youth" "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs"...given geat screen performances that weren't recognized by the Academy ("Petulia")...she's a Tony winner ("Kennedy's Children")...and a multiple Emmy-winner (most recently for "Indictment: The McMartin Trial.")
But you haven't seen nothin' until you see Knight in "The Young Man From Atlanta." She paints a remarkably affecting, illuminating portrait of a woman coming to grips with the reality that her world is cruel. She is well-matched by McGuire and Torn, who add their own dramatic depth and fireworks.
This is a rarity on today's Broadway - a serious, finely crafted American play. It merits your attention.