Theater News

August Wilson's Jitney to Receive Long-Awaited Broadway Premiere

Ruben Santiago-Hudson will direct the drama.

Tony winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson will direct August Wilson's Jitney on Broadway,
Tony winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson will direct August Wilson's Jitney on Broadway,
(© David Gordon)

Jitney, the only drama of August Wilson's American Century Cycle that has never been seen on Broadway, will receive its long-awaited Broadway premiere this winter at Manhattan Theatre Club's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, the production will begin previews December 28 and open on January 19.

Set in the 1970s, the work follows a group of men trying to eke out a living by driving unlicensed cabs. When the city threatens to board up the business and the boss’ son returns from prison, tempers flare, potent secrets are revealed, and the fragile threads binding these people together may come undone at last.

Manhattan Theatre Club has also presented Wilson's plays King Hedley II, Seven Guitars, and The Piano Lesson. Santiago-Hudson won a Tony for his performance in Wilson's Seven Guitars, and has also directed productions of that play and The Piano Lesson for Signature Theatre.

Manhattan Theatre Club has also announced the New York premiere of Martyna Majok's Cost Of Living, which will play New York City Center – Stage I. Presented in association with Williamstown Theatre Festival, the work will begin previews April 25, 2017, under the direction of Jo Bonney. It will open May 16.

Cost of Living is the story of four very different people, in four very different circumstances, each trying to get by. Eddie, an unemployed truck driver, reunites with his ex-wife Ani after she suffers a devastating accident. John, a brilliant and witty doctoral student, hires overworked Jess, a caregiver. As their lives intersect, Majok’s play delves into the chasm between abundance and need and explores the space where bodies — abled and disabled — meet each other.

Casting, creative team, and additional information about both productions will be announced in the coming weeks.

For information on Jitney, click here.

For information on Cost of Living, click here.

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