Lombardi Opens on Broadway

There is no question about Vince Lombardi's talent as a football coach.  He did, after all, lead the Green Bay Packers to 5 Super Bowl wins in the 1950's and 1960's.  But whether he makes a good dramatic hero is another story all together, and the answer seems to be a resounding "no".  A new play about his career, appropriately titled Lombardi, opened last night at the Circle in the Square Theatre.  The script received decidedly mixed reception from the critics, with Charles Isherwood of the New York Times finding it to have no fire or focus, as well as having trouble with the play's structure, but with Marilyn Stasio calling the scenes well-written.  Isherwood also commented on the oddity of relegating the character of Vince Lombardi to a seemingly supporting role in a play about his life.  The thing that everyone has agreed on, however, is that Dan Lauria's performance is electric -- and likely to get a Tony nomination.  Judith Light, as Lombardi's wife, Marie, also got some good notices and may net a supporting actress Tony nomination.  The last piece that was well praised were Paul Tazewell's costumes.  But the mixed standing on the script, particularly with the NY Times effectively calling the show a mess, means that the show is unlikely to be nominated as best play.