It has been a busy 12 months for Kerry Washington, with a key part in Hulu’s Little Fires Everywhere, a directorial stint on HBO’s Insecure, and a exec producer role on Sundance doc The Fight occupying her time. And while her role in Little Fires Everywhere contines to draw praise, it is only one performance of hers this years that has earned its place in the Emmy conversation. In November, she brought American Son, the critically acclaimed play written by Christopher Demos-Brown and first performed by her on Broadway, to Netflix as a TV movie. And with every passing day, its powerful story about a Black mother piecing together the details of the last night in her son’s life after a confrontation with police officers has become ever more prescient.
Deadline: How did the play American Son first come to you?
Kerry Washington: I had done my...
Deadline: How did the play American Son first come to you?
Kerry Washington: I had done my...
- 7/7/2020
- by Joe Utichi
- Deadline Film + TV
Talk about a nail-biter! Gold Derby’s Emmy Experts from major media outlets are almost evenly divided between “Bad Education” and “El Camino” when it comes to Best TV Movie. All 29 Emmyologists believe both programs will earn nominations on July 28, so that’s no help. But when it comes to the winner, 13 pick the HBO telefilm about a true-to-life high school scandal while 12 choose the Netflix spin-off about a fan-favorite “Breaking Bad” character. The other four Experts predict “American Son,” Netflix’s adaptation of the Broadway play.
SEEAllison Janney: ‘No matter how awful the deed, everybody is human’ [Exclusive Video Interview]
“Bad Education” just debuted on April 25, so it’s still fresh in the minds of Emmy voters. Hugh Jackman plays a by-the-books Long Island superintendent who gets embroiled in an embezzlement scandal thanks to his assistant’s (Allison Janney) illegal spending habits. HBO is no stranger to winning Best TV Movie, including...
SEEAllison Janney: ‘No matter how awful the deed, everybody is human’ [Exclusive Video Interview]
“Bad Education” just debuted on April 25, so it’s still fresh in the minds of Emmy voters. Hugh Jackman plays a by-the-books Long Island superintendent who gets embroiled in an embezzlement scandal thanks to his assistant’s (Allison Janney) illegal spending habits. HBO is no stranger to winning Best TV Movie, including...
- 7/2/2020
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
This story about Kenny Leon first appeared in the Limited Series & Movies issue of TheWrap’s Emmy magazine. It took eight minutes and 46 seconds for the world to change. It took watching an eight minute, 46 second video of a white police officer kneeling on the neck of George Floyd, killing him, for some people to open their eyes to the injustices and horror that Black American’s face and fear everyday. Some of us have known all our lives. Kenny Leon, the director of Netflix’s “American Son,” is one of those people. Leon won the Tony in 2014 for his direction of Lorraine Hansberry’s play “A Raisin in the Sun.” “American Son,” based on the Broadway play of the same name — which Leon also directed and former trial lawyer Christopher Demos-Brown wrote, is an all too familiar story. It follows a Black mother, played by Kerry Washington, and the...
- 6/25/2020
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
The Paley Center for Media today announced that it will pay tribute to the extraordinary Kerry Washington with the special program Celebrating Kerry Washington: Conversation & Exclusive Preview Screening of Little Fires Everywhere.
The program will take place on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30 pm.
“I’m truly honored to be returning to the Paley Center stage for this look back at my work,” said Kerry Washington. “And I’m thrilled to be previewing Little Fires Everywhere, as part of this extraordinary evening.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome back Kerry Washington to the Paley Center,” said Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center President & CEO. “Ms. Washington is a tremendous talent and we look forward to celebrating her remarkable career and to hosting the exclusive New York premiere of Little Fires Everywhere.”
Kerry Washington is among the most respected and influential talents in television today. A New York native, this versatile talent has...
The program will take place on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30 pm.
“I’m truly honored to be returning to the Paley Center stage for this look back at my work,” said Kerry Washington. “And I’m thrilled to be previewing Little Fires Everywhere, as part of this extraordinary evening.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome back Kerry Washington to the Paley Center,” said Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center President & CEO. “Ms. Washington is a tremendous talent and we look forward to celebrating her remarkable career and to hosting the exclusive New York premiere of Little Fires Everywhere.”
Kerry Washington is among the most respected and influential talents in television today. A New York native, this versatile talent has...
- 2/27/2020
- Look to the Stars
Those who had the privilege of seeing Kerry Washington star in “American Son” on Broadway can rest easy — or maybe uneasy, actually — knowing that the story remains exactly the same in Netflix’s film adaptation of the play. With the exception of a few quick flashbacks and cut away images, none of which include dialogue, the original work of Christopher Demos-Brown has been left intact in its transition to the screen.
And one of those pivotal pieces of the “American Son” puzzle that remains unchanged is the fact the audience never actually gets to see Jamal — the missing half-Black, half-White teenage son of Kendra Ellis-Connor (Washington) — for themselves.
“It was important to not have a visual of Jamal,” Washington, who also executive produced the film, told TheWrap. “I had the experience of talking to a friend of mine, who is Asian-American, who came to see the play and he said...
And one of those pivotal pieces of the “American Son” puzzle that remains unchanged is the fact the audience never actually gets to see Jamal — the missing half-Black, half-White teenage son of Kendra Ellis-Connor (Washington) — for themselves.
“It was important to not have a visual of Jamal,” Washington, who also executive produced the film, told TheWrap. “I had the experience of talking to a friend of mine, who is Asian-American, who came to see the play and he said...
- 11/1/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
After finishing a seven-season run as Olivia Pope in ABC’s “Scandal,” Kerry Washington fully expected to take a much-needed break. But then the script for a play called “American Son,” by Christopher Demos-Brown, fell in her lap, and her plans soon changed, although with some trepidation.
“I was very resistant to the idea because I was tired and, for me, acting on stage is the hardest kind of acting you can do,” Washington said. “You don’t have a score, you can’t fix any problems in post, and you’ve got to get it right on the day in the moment. There’s nothing to hide behind. But for those same reasons, it’s also the most rewarding experience an actor can have.”
The script, which follows Kendra Ellis-Connor, the black mother of an interracial teenager who has gone missing, came courtesy of Broadway producer Jeffrey Richards, who...
“I was very resistant to the idea because I was tired and, for me, acting on stage is the hardest kind of acting you can do,” Washington said. “You don’t have a score, you can’t fix any problems in post, and you’ve got to get it right on the day in the moment. There’s nothing to hide behind. But for those same reasons, it’s also the most rewarding experience an actor can have.”
The script, which follows Kendra Ellis-Connor, the black mother of an interracial teenager who has gone missing, came courtesy of Broadway producer Jeffrey Richards, who...
- 11/1/2019
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
Kerry Washington's performance in American Son will make its way from its Broadway beginnings to Netflix on Friday — a role the actress describes as being placed within "every parent's absolute worst nightmare."
Written by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Kenny Leon, the 90-minute chamber drama follows Kendra Ellis-Connor (Washington) as she struggles to learn any details about her missing, mixed-race teenage son, Jamal. Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee also reprise their roles in the film adaptation.
American Son does not hold back in its discussion of race or identity as it follows a ...
Written by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Kenny Leon, the 90-minute chamber drama follows Kendra Ellis-Connor (Washington) as she struggles to learn any details about her missing, mixed-race teenage son, Jamal. Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee also reprise their roles in the film adaptation.
American Son does not hold back in its discussion of race or identity as it follows a ...
- 10/31/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kerry Washington's performance in American Son will make its way from its Broadway beginnings to Netflix on Friday — a role the actress describes as being placed within "every parent's absolute worst nightmare."
Written by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Kenny Leon, the 90-minute chamber drama follows Kendra Ellis-Connor (Washington) as she struggles to learn any details about her missing, mixed-race teenage son, Jamal. Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee also reprise their roles in the film adaptation.
American Son does not hold back in its discussion of race or identity as it follows a ...
Written by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Kenny Leon, the 90-minute chamber drama follows Kendra Ellis-Connor (Washington) as she struggles to learn any details about her missing, mixed-race teenage son, Jamal. Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee also reprise their roles in the film adaptation.
American Son does not hold back in its discussion of race or identity as it follows a ...
- 10/31/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
It’s likely that “American Son,” based on the Broadway play by Christopher Demos-Brown, was written earnestly, although it seems content to revel in its seeming relevance over telling a rigorously workshopped story. It’s hoping that audiences will be so overwhelmed by the gravity of its subject matter – the unjustified killings of black men at the hands of often white police officers who are typically held unaccountable – that they won’t notice the flatness of the characters and how superficial and agonizingly manipulative their ostensibly strained debates are on the intersectionality of racism, class, police violence, and injustice. It’s made for audiences who have nothing more than a rudimentary understanding of these issues, but in 2019, it feels like a work out of time.
The Netflix television event tells the story of Kendra Ellis-Connor (Kerry Washington), the mother of a missing teenager, as she struggles to put the pieces...
The Netflix television event tells the story of Kendra Ellis-Connor (Kerry Washington), the mother of a missing teenager, as she struggles to put the pieces...
- 10/30/2019
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
You only have to watch a few seconds of Netflix's American Son trailer to become hooked. Right away, we're catapulted into a heart-wrenching story about a mother, Kendra Ellis-Connor (Kerry Washington), who's on a mission to find her missing son. Desperate for answers, she tries to figure out what happened at a South Florida police station.
It soon becomes clear that she and her estranged ex-husband (Steven Pasquale) are alone in wanting to solve the mystery as law enforcement undermine their panic with attitudes laced with bias and discrimination. Packed with emotion, the story - based on the Broadway play by Christopher Demos-Brown - depicts the plights of black Americans, raising an interracial son, and finding a point of convergence somewhere beyond racial barriers. Above, watch the trailer before American Son hits Netflix on Nov. 1.
Related: These 8 New Netflix Original Movies Are Seriously Works of Art...
It soon becomes clear that she and her estranged ex-husband (Steven Pasquale) are alone in wanting to solve the mystery as law enforcement undermine their panic with attitudes laced with bias and discrimination. Packed with emotion, the story - based on the Broadway play by Christopher Demos-Brown - depicts the plights of black Americans, raising an interracial son, and finding a point of convergence somewhere beyond racial barriers. Above, watch the trailer before American Son hits Netflix on Nov. 1.
Related: These 8 New Netflix Original Movies Are Seriously Works of Art...
- 10/23/2019
- by Brea Cubit
- Popsugar.com
In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix released the trailer for “American Son” starring Kerry Washington and first looks at Dolly Parton’s new anthology series, “Heartstrings.”
First Looks
Netflix has released the trailer for “American Son,” which premieres Nov. 1 on the streaming service. Directed by Tony award-winner Kenny Leon, the film is based on the Christopher Demos-Brown play of the same name. Kendra Ellis-Connor (played by Emmy-nominated Kerry Washington) struggles to put the pieces together to find her missing teenage son. Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee also reprise their roles from the stage.
Netflix has released the Season 3 trailer of “Atypical,” in which Sam (Keir Gilchrist), a teenager on the autism spectrum, embarks upon his first year in college. Created by Robia Rashid, the season also stars Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Michael Rapaport, Amy Okuda, Sara Gilbert and Eric McCormack. It will launch Nov. 1.
Netflix has...
First Looks
Netflix has released the trailer for “American Son,” which premieres Nov. 1 on the streaming service. Directed by Tony award-winner Kenny Leon, the film is based on the Christopher Demos-Brown play of the same name. Kendra Ellis-Connor (played by Emmy-nominated Kerry Washington) struggles to put the pieces together to find her missing teenage son. Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee also reprise their roles from the stage.
Netflix has released the Season 3 trailer of “Atypical,” in which Sam (Keir Gilchrist), a teenager on the autism spectrum, embarks upon his first year in college. Created by Robia Rashid, the season also stars Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Michael Rapaport, Amy Okuda, Sara Gilbert and Eric McCormack. It will launch Nov. 1.
Netflix has...
- 10/17/2019
- by LaTesha Harris
- Variety Film + TV
In the first full trailer for “American Son,” Kerry Washington lays down the law on the authorities, calling attention to the subtle forms of racism that we see in our society time and time again, especially in our law enforcement.
The trailer opens with a cop asking Washington if her missing son has any scars, gold teeth or tattoos, a characterization that doesn’t go over well with this mom.
“Keep your hands on the wheel boy! Look straight ahead. Don’t make any sudden moves,” she says mimicking a racist traffic stop. “Wouldn’t want to make the man in the bulletproof vest nervous when he’s pointing a Glock at your head.”
“American Son” tells the story of Kendra Ellis-Connor (Washington), the mother of a missing teenage boy, as she struggles to put the pieces together in a South Florida police station. The film aims to present four...
The trailer opens with a cop asking Washington if her missing son has any scars, gold teeth or tattoos, a characterization that doesn’t go over well with this mom.
“Keep your hands on the wheel boy! Look straight ahead. Don’t make any sudden moves,” she says mimicking a racist traffic stop. “Wouldn’t want to make the man in the bulletproof vest nervous when he’s pointing a Glock at your head.”
“American Son” tells the story of Kendra Ellis-Connor (Washington), the mother of a missing teenage boy, as she struggles to put the pieces together in a South Florida police station. The film aims to present four...
- 10/17/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Netflix has released the first trailer for its upcoming adaptation of the critically-acclaimed Kerry Washington-led Broadway play “American Son” during the 2019 Emmys — and the tension is high.
Written by Christopher Demos-Brown, “American Son” tells the story of two interracial parents who reunite in a Florida police station seeking answers about their missing teenage son.
“The world still looks at him, like it looks at me,” Washington’s character tells the police officer.
Also Read: Netflix Adaptation of Kerry Washington's Broadway Play 'American Son' to Premiere at Toronto Film Festival
Washington executive produces and stars in the project, along with her original Broadway co-stars Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee. Kenny Leon returns as director.
Leon, who won a Tony award in 2014 for “A Raisin in the Sun,” also executive produces alongside Jeffrey Richards and Rebecca Gold. Washington and her executive vice president of development and production,...
Written by Christopher Demos-Brown, “American Son” tells the story of two interracial parents who reunite in a Florida police station seeking answers about their missing teenage son.
“The world still looks at him, like it looks at me,” Washington’s character tells the police officer.
Also Read: Netflix Adaptation of Kerry Washington's Broadway Play 'American Son' to Premiere at Toronto Film Festival
Washington executive produces and stars in the project, along with her original Broadway co-stars Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee. Kenny Leon returns as director.
Leon, who won a Tony award in 2014 for “A Raisin in the Sun,” also executive produces alongside Jeffrey Richards and Rebecca Gold. Washington and her executive vice president of development and production,...
- 9/23/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Netflix aired the first spot for “American Son” during the 2019 Primetime Emmy Awards telecast and, boy, does Kerry Washington look fierce as a woman whose teenage son might have died at the hands of police.
For the Netflix television event, Washington reprises the role she originated on Broadway as Kendra Ellis-Connor, one half of an interracial couple looking for answers in this urgently timely tale. Kenny Leon adapts Miami trial lawyer turned stage scribe Christopher Demos-Brown’s acclaimed play. The original Broadway cast members — which include Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan, Steven Pasquale, and Eugene Lee — all return to star in the TV movie.
The play was curiously shut out of the 2019 Tony Awards. Reviews for the film version were mixed out of the Toronto International Film Festival, where “American Son” had its world premiere. Variety wrote: “As drama, however, it feels very much like an overly schematic recitation of talking...
For the Netflix television event, Washington reprises the role she originated on Broadway as Kendra Ellis-Connor, one half of an interracial couple looking for answers in this urgently timely tale. Kenny Leon adapts Miami trial lawyer turned stage scribe Christopher Demos-Brown’s acclaimed play. The original Broadway cast members — which include Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan, Steven Pasquale, and Eugene Lee — all return to star in the TV movie.
The play was curiously shut out of the 2019 Tony Awards. Reviews for the film version were mixed out of the Toronto International Film Festival, where “American Son” had its world premiere. Variety wrote: “As drama, however, it feels very much like an overly schematic recitation of talking...
- 9/23/2019
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
During the 2019 Emmy Awards on Sunday, Netflix released a trailer for what may be one of its awards-season hopefuls in 2020.
American Son, based on the Broadway play by Christopher Demos-Brown, stars Kerry Washington as Kendra Ellis-Connor, whose teenage son is missing. She tries to piece together what's happened in a South Florida police station. Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee also star; all four leads are reprising their roles from the play.
The movie, which the streamer is billing as a "Netflix Television Event," had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival; the trailer is ...
American Son, based on the Broadway play by Christopher Demos-Brown, stars Kerry Washington as Kendra Ellis-Connor, whose teenage son is missing. She tries to piece together what's happened in a South Florida police station. Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee also star; all four leads are reprising their roles from the play.
The movie, which the streamer is billing as a "Netflix Television Event," had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival; the trailer is ...
- 9/22/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
A well-intentioned adaptation of the Broadway show about race in America suffers from unconvincing characters and risible dialogue
There are important, pertinent ideas in this movie, a Netflix special adapted by Christopher Demos-Brown from his Broadway stage play and directed by Kenny Leon: ideas about racism, sexism and generational conflict. There are good professional actors here doing their well-intentioned best. The dialogue might well have worked well enough in the theatre – well enough to make it a hit, clearly. But on the screen, it’s a deafening misfire, like the most unbearable, unwatchable daytime TV soap filled with the most awful self-conscious hamminess, parodic emoting and pointless shouting-at-each-other acting.
Related: Harriet review – Cynthia Erivo is sublime as legendary slave rebel...
There are important, pertinent ideas in this movie, a Netflix special adapted by Christopher Demos-Brown from his Broadway stage play and directed by Kenny Leon: ideas about racism, sexism and generational conflict. There are good professional actors here doing their well-intentioned best. The dialogue might well have worked well enough in the theatre – well enough to make it a hit, clearly. But on the screen, it’s a deafening misfire, like the most unbearable, unwatchable daytime TV soap filled with the most awful self-conscious hamminess, parodic emoting and pointless shouting-at-each-other acting.
Related: Harriet review – Cynthia Erivo is sublime as legendary slave rebel...
- 9/11/2019
- by Peter Bradshaw in Toronto
- The Guardian - Film News
Kerry Washington’s latest film “American Son” hits close to home for the star, giving her reason to reflect on the way she moves through the world as a black woman.
“I worry when I’m driving. I worry when my 80-year-old father is driving,” Washington told Variety at the Toronto Film Festival Studio presented by AT&T, addressing the film’s themes of racial profiling, police brutality and the tensions around the two in today’s world.
“We actually took a road trip recently as a family and I was in one car, my dad was driving another car. And he was like, ‘Oh I have to go back and get my ID,’ because the thought of him getting caught in car without the proper ID terrifies him at 80-years-old,” she recalled.”
“He’s not like a ‘thuggish’ teenager,'” Washington continued, using air-quotes. “He’s a distinguished man of...
“I worry when I’m driving. I worry when my 80-year-old father is driving,” Washington told Variety at the Toronto Film Festival Studio presented by AT&T, addressing the film’s themes of racial profiling, police brutality and the tensions around the two in today’s world.
“We actually took a road trip recently as a family and I was in one car, my dad was driving another car. And he was like, ‘Oh I have to go back and get my ID,’ because the thought of him getting caught in car without the proper ID terrifies him at 80-years-old,” she recalled.”
“He’s not like a ‘thuggish’ teenager,'” Washington continued, using air-quotes. “He’s a distinguished man of...
- 9/10/2019
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
As one segment of Americans complacently denies racism still exists, others consider discrimination true enough to worry about their loved ones’ safety every time they go out — let alone face a law enforcement official. That is the issue addressed head-on by Christopher Demos-Brown’s “American Son,” whose Booth Theater production from last year has been translated to film by its original stage director Kenny Leon. With Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale running the gamut of emotions as parents whose biracial son has been missing some hours, this Netflix production is a strong spur for discussion on various hot-button topics.
As drama, however, it feels very much like an overly schematic recitation of talking points whose acting histrionics still seem scaled for the boards—a little too big and loud in their 90-minute close-up. The result is worthy yet heavy-handed, too often coming off as an editorializing lecture or essay in thinly fictionalized form.
As drama, however, it feels very much like an overly schematic recitation of talking points whose acting histrionics still seem scaled for the boards—a little too big and loud in their 90-minute close-up. The result is worthy yet heavy-handed, too often coming off as an editorializing lecture or essay in thinly fictionalized form.
- 9/10/2019
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of the critically-acclaimed, Kerry Washington-led Broadway play “American Son” will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this September, the streaming service said Tuesday. The movie will then launch Nov. 1 on Netflix, following its debut at Tiff.
Washington executive produces and stars in the project, along with her original Broadway co-stars Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee. Kenny Leon returns as director.
Written by Christopher Demos-Brown, “American Son” tells the story of two interracial parents who reunite in a Florida police station seeking answers about their missing teenage son.
Also Read: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones Drama 'The Aeronauts' Among New Additions to Toronto Film Festival Lineup
Here’s the official synopsis for the movie, which was ordered at Netflix in January.
Based on the acclaimed Broadway play, the Netflix Television Event “American Son” tells the story of Kendra Ellis-Connor (Emmy-nominee Kerry Washington...
Washington executive produces and stars in the project, along with her original Broadway co-stars Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee. Kenny Leon returns as director.
Written by Christopher Demos-Brown, “American Son” tells the story of two interracial parents who reunite in a Florida police station seeking answers about their missing teenage son.
Also Read: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones Drama 'The Aeronauts' Among New Additions to Toronto Film Festival Lineup
Here’s the official synopsis for the movie, which was ordered at Netflix in January.
Based on the acclaimed Broadway play, the Netflix Television Event “American Son” tells the story of Kendra Ellis-Connor (Emmy-nominee Kerry Washington...
- 8/13/2019
- by Jennifer Maas and Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
Netflix’s plan of completely dominating the entertainment world is now stretching to the Great White Way. The streaming service announced they will be debuting an adaptation of a Broadway play called American Son, and they’ve secured Kerry Washington (Scandal) to reprise her role from the stage in the film version. Written by playwright Christopher Demos-Brown and debuting on […]
The post Netflix to Adapt Broadway’s ‘American Son’, Kerry Washington to Reprise Her Starring Role From the Stage Production appeared first on /Film.
The post Netflix to Adapt Broadway’s ‘American Son’, Kerry Washington to Reprise Her Starring Role From the Stage Production appeared first on /Film.
- 1/27/2019
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
The critically-acclaimed Broadway play “American Son” is getting a film adaption on Netflix that will feature the return of cast members Kerry Washington, Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee, as well as director Kenny Leon.
Washington announced the news during an appearance Monday night on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Written by Christopher Demos-Brown, “American Son” tells the story of two interracial parents who reunite in a Florida police station seeking answers about their missing teenage son. The film will go into production in February.
Also Read: 'American Son' Theater Review: Kerry Washington Brings #BlackLivesMatter Debate to Broadway
Leon, who won a Tony award in 2014 for “A Raisin in the Sun,” will also produce alongside Jeffrey Richards and Rebecca Gold. Washington and her executive vice president of development and production, Pilar Savone, are also producing under Washington’s Simpson Street banner.
“American Son powerfully explores themes of family,...
Washington announced the news during an appearance Monday night on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Written by Christopher Demos-Brown, “American Son” tells the story of two interracial parents who reunite in a Florida police station seeking answers about their missing teenage son. The film will go into production in February.
Also Read: 'American Son' Theater Review: Kerry Washington Brings #BlackLivesMatter Debate to Broadway
Leon, who won a Tony award in 2014 for “A Raisin in the Sun,” will also produce alongside Jeffrey Richards and Rebecca Gold. Washington and her executive vice president of development and production, Pilar Savone, are also producing under Washington’s Simpson Street banner.
“American Son powerfully explores themes of family,...
- 1/22/2019
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Christopher Demos-Brown’s Broadway play American Son starring Kerry Washington is heading to Netflix. The critically-acclaimed production will be adapted for the streaming giant. Washington, who will reprise her role along with Steven Pasquale and others from the original Broadway staging, made the announcement Monday night on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
American Son follows the story of an estranged couple – black mom and white dad – who reunite in a Florida police station to seek answers about their missing teenage son.
In addition to Washington and Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee will reprise their roles in the production, with Kenny Leon (Tony Award winner for 2014’s A Raisin in the Sun) returning to direct and produce. Jeffrey Richards and Rebecca Gold also serve as producers, along with Washington and her Evp Development and Production Pilar Savone under Washington’s Simpson Street banner. Production is set to begin in New York City in February.
American Son follows the story of an estranged couple – black mom and white dad – who reunite in a Florida police station to seek answers about their missing teenage son.
In addition to Washington and Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee will reprise their roles in the production, with Kenny Leon (Tony Award winner for 2014’s A Raisin in the Sun) returning to direct and produce. Jeffrey Richards and Rebecca Gold also serve as producers, along with Washington and her Evp Development and Production Pilar Savone under Washington’s Simpson Street banner. Production is set to begin in New York City in February.
- 1/22/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The Broadway play “American Son” is set to be adapted for Netflix.
Kerry Washington, Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan, and Eugene Lee will reprise their roles in the Netflix production. Kenny Leon returns to direct and produce, with Jeffrey Richards and Rebecca Gold serving as producers. Washington and Pilar Savone of Washington’s Simpson Street banner will produce.
Washington made the announcement Monday on “The Tonight Show.” Hailing from playwright Christopher Demos-Brown, the story centers on interracial parents who reunite in a Florida police station to search for answers about their missing teenage son. Production is slated to begin in February in New York.
“American Son powerfully explores themes of family, love and identity,” said Cindy Holland, Netflix’s vice president of original content. “We are honored to work with Kerry Washington, Kenny Leon, Christopher Demos-Brown and the entire cast to bring this story from the Broadway stage to our members around the world.
Kerry Washington, Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan, and Eugene Lee will reprise their roles in the Netflix production. Kenny Leon returns to direct and produce, with Jeffrey Richards and Rebecca Gold serving as producers. Washington and Pilar Savone of Washington’s Simpson Street banner will produce.
Washington made the announcement Monday on “The Tonight Show.” Hailing from playwright Christopher Demos-Brown, the story centers on interracial parents who reunite in a Florida police station to search for answers about their missing teenage son. Production is slated to begin in February in New York.
“American Son powerfully explores themes of family, love and identity,” said Cindy Holland, Netflix’s vice president of original content. “We are honored to work with Kerry Washington, Kenny Leon, Christopher Demos-Brown and the entire cast to bring this story from the Broadway stage to our members around the world.
- 1/22/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Almost a decade after her Broadway debut, Kerry Washington has returned to the boards in an explosive new drama “American Son,” which opened at the Booth Theatre on November 4. Washington leads a quartet of actors that also includes Steven Pasquale, Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan (“Newsies”) and Eugene Lee.
Written by Broadway freshman Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Tony-winner Kenny Leon, “American Son” unfolds in real time in a police station in Miami, Florida at 4:00am. Kendra (Washington) waits for any news about her missing 18 year-old son Jamal from Office Paul Larkin (Jordan), who seems reluctant to share any details without the Lieutenant (Lee) present, or until Kendra’s estranged husband Scott (Pasquale) arrives.
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Critics were divided on this searing exploration of race in contemporary American society. On the positive side, Jesse Green (New York Times) gives “American Son...
Written by Broadway freshman Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Tony-winner Kenny Leon, “American Son” unfolds in real time in a police station in Miami, Florida at 4:00am. Kendra (Washington) waits for any news about her missing 18 year-old son Jamal from Office Paul Larkin (Jordan), who seems reluctant to share any details without the Lieutenant (Lee) present, or until Kendra’s estranged husband Scott (Pasquale) arrives.
Sign Up for Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
Critics were divided on this searing exploration of race in contemporary American society. On the positive side, Jesse Green (New York Times) gives “American Son...
- 11/5/2018
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Kerry Washington carries the weight of a nation on her back in American Son, and I’m tempted to say this fine actress makes it look easy. But that would be glib and wrong: Easy is nowhere to be found in her transformative performance of a mother awaiting news about her missing son, news that one way or another will change her life.
More specifically – and American Son, opening tonight at Broadway’s Booth Theatre, thrives on specifics to make its points about the national – she’s the black mother of a 6’2, 180-pound son who wears baggy jeans and his hair in cornrows and has a “Shoot Cops” bumpersticker on his car, a car that the mother has been told by police has been involved in some sort of incident. Washington’s Kendra will spend the wee hours of a June night in a Miami police station waiting for the details that come torturously slow.
More specifically – and American Son, opening tonight at Broadway’s Booth Theatre, thrives on specifics to make its points about the national – she’s the black mother of a 6’2, 180-pound son who wears baggy jeans and his hair in cornrows and has a “Shoot Cops” bumpersticker on his car, a car that the mother has been told by police has been involved in some sort of incident. Washington’s Kendra will spend the wee hours of a June night in a Miami police station waiting for the details that come torturously slow.
- 11/5/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Shonda Rhimes, Jada Pinkett Smith, Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade have added their names to the co-producers team for Broadway’s upcoming American Son starring Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale in a story tackling, among other subjects, race and law enforcement.
The additional co-producers announced today also include NFL player-turned-actor Nnamdi Asomugha and businessman/author Steve Stoute. The play is produced by Kerry Washington’s Simpson Street, Jeffry Richards, Rebecca Gold and Will Trice.
The play, written by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Tony-winner Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun), stars Washington and Pasquale as the estranged parents of a missing teenage boy, brought together in a Florida police station when the boy’s empty car is found during a traffic stop.
“Christopher Demos-Brown has written a play that dives deep into the big questions of who we are as a nation,” said Washington, “by exploring the intimate relationships...
The additional co-producers announced today also include NFL player-turned-actor Nnamdi Asomugha and businessman/author Steve Stoute. The play is produced by Kerry Washington’s Simpson Street, Jeffry Richards, Rebecca Gold and Will Trice.
The play, written by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Tony-winner Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun), stars Washington and Pasquale as the estranged parents of a missing teenage boy, brought together in a Florida police station when the boy’s empty car is found during a traffic stop.
“Christopher Demos-Brown has written a play that dives deep into the big questions of who we are as a nation,” said Washington, “by exploring the intimate relationships...
- 9/25/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Jeremy Jordan will round out the Broadway cast of this fall’s American Son, joining the previously announced stars Kerry Washington (Scandal) and Steven Pasquale (Rescue Me).
Jordan’s casting was announced today, and marks the actor’s return to Broadway since his stint on the CW series Supergirl. Jordan’s previous Broadway productions include Newsies and Bonnie & Clyde.
American Son, written by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Kenny Leon, will be Jordan’s first role in a non-musical Broadway production. He’ll play the character of Officer Paul Larkin.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to join this remarkably talented group of artists,” Jordan said. “I’ve been dying to return to Broadway for quite some time, and American Son is everything I could ask for: challenging, timely, intimate, and a vast departure from anything else I’ve ever done.
“What I love most about this...
Jordan’s casting was announced today, and marks the actor’s return to Broadway since his stint on the CW series Supergirl. Jordan’s previous Broadway productions include Newsies and Bonnie & Clyde.
American Son, written by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Kenny Leon, will be Jordan’s first role in a non-musical Broadway production. He’ll play the character of Officer Paul Larkin.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to join this remarkably talented group of artists,” Jordan said. “I’ve been dying to return to Broadway for quite some time, and American Son is everything I could ask for: challenging, timely, intimate, and a vast departure from anything else I’ve ever done.
“What I love most about this...
- 7/10/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Kerry Washington will return to Broadway to star in “American Son.”
The “Scandal” star will be matched with Steven Pasquale, a stage veteran known for “The Bridges of Madison County,” and his small-screen work on “Rescue Me” and “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”
Washington recently wrapped up her run on “Scandal” as Olivia Pope, fixer extraordinaire, after a seven-season run that netted her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. She previously appeared on Broadway in 2009 as part of the cast of David Mamet’s “Race.”
“American Son” is written by Christopher Demos-Brown and will be directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (“A Raisin in the Sun”). The play examines race relations in America with a story of two parents in a Florida police station, following them as they grapple with a crisis involving their son. “American Son” was awarded the 2016 Laurents/Hatcher Award for best new...
The “Scandal” star will be matched with Steven Pasquale, a stage veteran known for “The Bridges of Madison County,” and his small-screen work on “Rescue Me” and “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”
Washington recently wrapped up her run on “Scandal” as Olivia Pope, fixer extraordinaire, after a seven-season run that netted her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. She previously appeared on Broadway in 2009 as part of the cast of David Mamet’s “Race.”
“American Son” is written by Christopher Demos-Brown and will be directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (“A Raisin in the Sun”). The play examines race relations in America with a story of two parents in a Florida police station, following them as they grapple with a crisis involving their son. “American Son” was awarded the 2016 Laurents/Hatcher Award for best new...
- 6/8/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
“Scandal” star Kerry Washington returns to Broadway this fall, starring opposite Steven Pasquale (“Rescue Me”) in Christopher Demos-Brown’s new play “American Son.”
Tony winner Kenny Leon will direct the production, which begins performances at the Booth Theatre on October 6 ahead of an official opening on November 4.
Washington and Pasquale star as an estranged interracial couple who confront an unexpected crisis involving their missing teenage son, the Florida police and an abandoned car.
Also Read: 'Scandal': Tony Goldwyn Explains How Kerry Washington Basically Invented Live-Tweeting TV
Eugene Lee plays a police officer in the show; the rest of the cast is still to be announced. The production team includes Derek McLane (scenic design), Dede Ayite (costume design) and Peter Fitzgerald (sound design).
Demos-Brown won the 2016 Laurents/Hatcher Award for Best New Play by an Emerging Playwright for “American Son,” which was first produced at Massachusetts’ Barrington Stage Company...
Tony winner Kenny Leon will direct the production, which begins performances at the Booth Theatre on October 6 ahead of an official opening on November 4.
Washington and Pasquale star as an estranged interracial couple who confront an unexpected crisis involving their missing teenage son, the Florida police and an abandoned car.
Also Read: 'Scandal': Tony Goldwyn Explains How Kerry Washington Basically Invented Live-Tweeting TV
Eugene Lee plays a police officer in the show; the rest of the cast is still to be announced. The production team includes Derek McLane (scenic design), Dede Ayite (costume design) and Peter Fitzgerald (sound design).
Demos-Brown won the 2016 Laurents/Hatcher Award for Best New Play by an Emerging Playwright for “American Son,” which was first produced at Massachusetts’ Barrington Stage Company...
- 6/8/2018
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Scandal‘s Kerry Washington and Rescue Me‘s Steven Pasquale will team up for their Broadway returns next fall in American Son, a new play by Broadway newcomer Christopher Demos-Brown.
Directing will be Kenny Leon, who won a Tony Award for 2014’s A Raisin in the Sun starring Denzel Washington. Leon most recently directed the Broadway revival Children of a Lesser God.
The play is set in a Florida police station in the middle of the night, with a mother searching for her missing teenage son, and is described by the production as “a gripping tale of two parents caught in our national divide, with their worst fears hanging in the balance.”
Said Kerry Washington, “Christopher Demos-Brown has written a play that dives deep into the big questions of who we are as a nation, by exploring the intimate relationships within a family caught at the crossroads of love, loss,...
Directing will be Kenny Leon, who won a Tony Award for 2014’s A Raisin in the Sun starring Denzel Washington. Leon most recently directed the Broadway revival Children of a Lesser God.
The play is set in a Florida police station in the middle of the night, with a mother searching for her missing teenage son, and is described by the production as “a gripping tale of two parents caught in our national divide, with their worst fears hanging in the balance.”
Said Kerry Washington, “Christopher Demos-Brown has written a play that dives deep into the big questions of who we are as a nation, by exploring the intimate relationships within a family caught at the crossroads of love, loss,...
- 6/8/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
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