Blackbird (Broadway)

The new Broadway dramatic production, "Blackbird," will attract attention mostly due to lead actor, Jeff Daniels. Mr. Daniels deserves high praise in his role as Ray. And the script, written by David Harrower, is intriguing in its complexity, misdirection and rawness.

Michelle Williams, though, is the shining star here. Her remarkable performance is tender, pained, disturbing, and ardent. Ms. Williams has garnered attention in the past for striking performances in "Blue Valentine," "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Station Agent," among other films. Yet it is here, as Una, that she has reached new heights and lays claim to being one of the most talented and underrated actresses in Hollywood or on Broadway. Ms. Williams offers an enervating portrayal of a young woman's struggle to come to terms with childhood trauma and an adult heart that leaves the audience as emotionally spent as Ms. Williams appears to be at the conclusion of the play. For this, "Blackbird" is a must see. Go!