By Sheryl Flatow
24 Jul 2009

The national tour is the show's fourth production. In November of 2008 it premiered in London, where it played an eight-week engagement at the National Theatre. "Before we went to London, there was discussion about how it would be received at the National Theatre — how an American family in London would be received," says Traxler. "It turned out to be a big event, and the run was completely sold out. It was very encouraging to see that, and it gives us a lot of hope that the tour will be successful and well attended. We're playing many of the great touring cities, with strong subscription bases. And most of the venues are places where people are used to seeing touring plays. It was very important to Tracy Letts and Anna Shapiro to maintain the quality of the show on the road. Todd Rosenthal's set is almost identical to the one on Broadway. And we are so fortunate to have Estelle playing Violet."

Parsons succeeded Deanna Dunagan on Broadway in June of 2008. The Academy Award winner was 80 when she took over the role of Violet, and the emotional honesty with which she imbues this exhausting role is powerful and frightening. "She came into the role and made it her own," says Traxler. "She is an incredible actress, and the tenacity with which she plays this character eight times a week is extraordinary. It's exciting that audiences around the country will have the chance to see her remarkable performance."