Inspired by the true story of a group of English miners who discover a new way to express themselves through their love of art, Lee Hall [who wrote the excellent book for "Billy Elliot"] has written an interesting and richly satisfying play "THE PITMEN PAINTERS " and it is being given a sterling production by the same company that played it successfuly in England last year.
As already mentioned, Mr. Hall's play concerns a group of miners who are close friends who hire a college lecturer to teach them to paint and through a series of shows and exibitions become art world sensations even though they continue to work in the mines.
While the play may lack action and plot development it is chock full of richly drawn characters and situations and is directed to perfection by Max Roberts repeating his acclamed London staging.
The acting company work together like a well oiled machine and every one of them are superbly suited to their roles, and Gary McCann's sets and costumes and Douglas Kuhrt's lighting are first rate.
It may not be classic by by any means, but "THE PITTMAN PAINTERS" is a wonderfully endearing play about ordinary likable people and provides as rewarding a theatre evening as you could want. Go see it.
AT THE SAMUEL J. FRIEDMAN THEATRE 261 WEST 47th STREET N.Y.C.
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The theme of this play supports a belief I have, that even people who you would not think would be so are interested in the arts and want to better themselves. It also shows how important the arts are and how they improve the lives of all who partake.
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