USA: Hollywood star Denzel Washington returns to his 'first love' on Broadway with his new play 'Fences'

Record ID: 569081

  • Title: USA: Hollywood star Denzel Washington returns to his 'first love' on Broadway with his new play 'Fences'
  • Date: 27th April 2010
  • Summary: NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (APRIL 26, 2010) (REUTERS) SOUNDBITE) (English) DENZEL WASHINGTON, ACTOR, SAYING "I started in the theater and it's my first love and my last love as far as my professional life. I mean, this is how I started and in fact I didn't think about a movie career it just kind of happened. It wasn't like I grew up hoping to be a movie star.
  • Embargoed: 12th May 2010 13:00
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  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz
  • Reuters ID: LVA6ON3EC68LB2IZPAR7SJO1960K
  • Story Text: Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington returned to his 'first love' on Monday (April 26) night - Broadway. The Hollywood star took to the stage in his new play 'Fences' at New York City's Cort Theater.
    In 'Fences', Washington plays the role of Troy Maxson, a middle-aged sanitation worker who once had dreams of becoming a professional baseball player. Starring alongside Washington is Viola Davis who portrays Maxson's wife, Rose.
    It was the opening night for the August Wilson play, which has a limited engagement through July 11.
    A critically acclaimed actor, Washington has starred in a countless number of films including 'Training Day' and 'Glory' both for which he received an Academy Award.
    Washington told Reuters performing in theater is where his heart is.
    "I started in the theater and it's my first love and my last love as far as my professional life. I mean, this is how I started and in fact I didn't think about a movie career, it just kind of happened. It wasn't like I grew up hoping to be a movie star. I'd never thought about it - I wanted to be a football player and that didn't work out, but it's working out alright," Washington said.
    The actor admitted to having opening night nerves.
    "Yeah, you get a little, yeah, yeah absolutely. I mean I didn't want to know who was in the audience. I knew some of my family was there - I could hear my wife so I knew where she was. But it felt pretty good tonight - peaceful," Washington admitted.
    Among those in the audience was 'Precious' stars Gabourey Sidibe and Sherri Shepherd who confessed she was a little star-struck at the thought of seeing Washington on stage.
    "If you see a girl passed out it will probably be me. When Denzel walks out if you just hear' 'Oh My God she fainted!' that's probably me," Shepherd gushed.
    "It's Uncle Denzel, I've got so much respect. It's Uncle Denzel, you know, so I'm excited," singer Estelle told Reuters.
    The play's director Kenny Leon said 'Fences' would appeal to people from all walks of life.
    "I think we give folks something to think about long after they leave the theater. I think there's a door for every human being to enter this play because if you have a brother, or if you have a father or a mother or you're in a relationship, I think this play speaks to all of us," Leon said.
    'Fences' was first seen in New York in 1987, starring James Earl Jones and Mary Alice.
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