Tony Winner Kenny Leon’s 11 Favorite Theatregoing Experiences | Playbill

Favorite Things Tony Winner Kenny Leon’s 11 Favorite Theatregoing Experiences The American Son director recalls performances by Samuel L. Jackson, Audra McDonald, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and more.
Tony winner Kenny Leon, who was artistic director of The Alliance Theatre Company in Atlanta from 1990 through 2002, is represented on Broadway this season with the acclaimed drama American Son, starring Golden Globe nominee Kerry Washington and Drama Desk nominee Steven Pasquale. Penned by Christopher Demos-Brown, the production continues through January 27 at the Booth Theatre. Leon, who won his Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for the 2014 revival of A Raisin in the Sun, was also Tony-nominated for his direction of the 2010 revival of August Wilson's Fences.

Here, the critically acclaimed director recalls the performances that most affected him as part of the audience.

Samuel L. Jackson in The Mountaintop

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Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett Joan Marcus
You’ve got to start with Sam Jackson in The Mountaintop because he allowed me to forget the badass and see Dr. King.

Denzel Washington in Fences
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Denzel Washington in Fences Joan Marcus
Because it was so 3-D in every way, meaning that it was a full human being with gifts and flaws.

Viola Davis in Fences
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Viola Davis, Chris Chalk, Denzel Washington and Mykelti Williamson in the 2010 Broadway production Fences. Joan Marcus
The most raw performance I have ever seen by an actress onstage—she was truth personified!

LaTanya Richardson Jackson in A Raisin in the Sun
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David Cromer, Bryce Kyle Jenkins, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Anika Noni Rose, Denzel Washington and Sophie Okonedo in the 2014 Broadway production A Raisin in the Sun. Brigitte Lacombe
Shows us what strength and elegance look like.

Lauren Ridloff in Children of a Lesser God
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Lauren Ridloff and Joshua Jackson Matthew Murphy
Because she was honest and raw.

Leslie Odom, Jr. in Hamilton
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Leslie Odom, Jr in Hamilton Joan Marcus
He was the glue to Hamilton. He brought his unique style to an amazing character and story.

Christian Borle in Something Rotten!
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Christian Borle in Something Rotten! Joan Marcus
He made me forget how silly it all was.

Audra McDonald in A Raisin in the Sun
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Audra McDonald and Sean Combs in A Raisin in the Sun Joan Marcus
Made me realize how much more she has to offer the world as a dramatic actress.

Philip Seymour Hoffman in Death of a Salesman
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Philip Seymour Hoffman in Death of a Salesman Brigitte Lacombe for New York Magazine
Something that I can’t even talk about without crying.

Kerry Washington in American Son
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Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale Peter Cunningham
Because I admire artists who take chances.

Harvey Fierstein in Hairspray
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Harvey Fierstein in Hairspray Paul Kolnik
Because he allowed me to forget that he was a man.

 
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