The tragedy of human foibles gone too far is the centerpiece of this work that has taken up brief residence on Broadway. Tens of thousands have flocked to the theater this fall to witness the well known personal catastrophe that this famous film performer portrays on stage eight times a week. It is a familiar story, one of betrayal within the family, one where the protagonist is lost, devastated and searching for a way out of the madness of her existence. This is a story worthy of Shakespeare’s quill.

Bill T. Jones’s latest creation, “Fondly Do We Hope . . . Fervently Do We Pray,” carried with it the burden of high expectations. Mr. Jones is one of the most compelling dance/theater artists making work today, and he is in a period of creativity that is perhaps unmatched by any other in his remarkable career.