I saw Fences (Broadway) on 04/23/10. Overall, I'd say it was a 3-star rating. I'd summarize it by saying “While this is a very good production, it is not all the buzz has it cracked up to be.”

I had a mediocre time and left the show feeling a little let down. I'd describe the show as interesting and modestly engaging. Viola davis's monologue was a highlight of the show because she brings down the house, so to speak. If this were a movie, I'd rate it R. I would recommend this show to black people...and theatre enthusiasts but not to the average theatre go-er.

I saw this show because I had to see what the fuss was about. I wouldn't see it again. I sat in the left orchestra area of the theater. The view was fine and the seats were fine.

I have a few political problems with this show, which I will try to keep out of my review of the craft.

First of all, yes; Viola Davis is absolutely fantastic. I was so moved by her big monologue that I nearly wept with pride and admiration for the skill of this brilliant actress. That said, this is not a leading role and should not have been eligible in the Leading Actress category in this year's Tony awards.

Denzel Washington, on the other hand, gives a mediocre at most performance. He doesn't grab me. He doesn't keep me. He is almost forgettable, especially next to such a power house like Viola Davis. And this is why, I believe, she is so commanding and larger than life; her co star cannot keep up with her.

One thing that REALLY bothered me with this production was the audience. I am not a forgiving fellow audience member. I scoff at people who's phones go off during a performance. I "shush" talkers. I threaten to get ushers to have people removed. I avoid Saturday evening shows at all costs. The Fences audience was horrific. I saw one performance, but I've heard the same thing from many of my friends who have seen the show (let's say 10 separate performances). They hoot. They holler. They applaud inappropriately. They don't get it.