The acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company production — which runs three acts and three-and-a-half hours — won the Best Play Tony Award in 2008, and the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Anna D. Shapiro also won the Best Direction Tony, and Deanna Dunagan was named Best Actress. Dunagan, as the fierce matriarch Violet, was succeeded by Estelle Parsons, who will tour with the play starting in July. Tony winner Phylicia Rashad (A Raisin the Sun, Gem of the Ocean) currently plays the pill-poppin' mama who scorches her brood.

The play opened on Broadway Oct. 30, 2007, at the Imperial after a world premiere by Steppenwolf in Chicago. It moved next door, to the Music Box, to make way for Billy Elliot.

The 2008 Steppenwolf production of Letts' new play, Superior Donuts, will be the next tenant at the Music Box this fall. The August producers are also behind that transfer.

Original cast member Amy Morton, who recently returned to the cast, plays oldest daughter Barbara. She was Tony-nominated for her turn.

Letts' comic drama concerns a Plains family that reunites when the patriarch (now played by John Cullum, but created by the playwright's father, the late Dennis Letts) goes missing. August: Osage County also features Elizabeth Ashley, Anne Berkowitz, Guy Boyd, John Cullum, Kimberly Guerrero, Brian Kerwin, Mariann Mayberry, Michael Milligan, Sally Murphy, Troy West and Frank Wood.

August: Osage County is produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jean Doumanian, Steve Traxler and Jerry Frankel. Anna D. Shapiro directed and won a Tony for her work.

A national tour of August: Osage County launches July 24-Aug. 8 in Denver at the Ellie Caukins Opera House before moving to San Francisco's Curran Theatre Aug. 11-Sept. 6.

For more information, visit augustonbroadway.com .