August Wilson's The Piano Lesson Set for Run at McCarter Theatre Center

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play starts performances tonight.

Cleavant Derricks plays Wining Boy in McCarter Theatre Center's production of The Piano Lesson.
Cleavant Derricks plays Wining Boy in McCarter Theatre Center's production of The Piano Lesson.

The Piano Lesson begins its run tonight at the McCarter Theatre Center.

Set in 1930s Pittsburgh, the show tells the story of the Charles family and an old piano. The family heirloom, which is covered in carvings that illustrate the history of the family and their ancestors, however, is in danger. Boy Willie, in the hopes of reclaiming his family’s legacy, wants to sell the piano. Standing in his way is his sister Berniece and the ghosts of the family’s past.

August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play is directed by Jade King Carroll and features Shannon Janee Antalan as Grace, Frances Brown as Maretha, Cleavant Derricks as Wining Boy, Miriam A. Hyman as Berniece, John Earl Jelks as Doaker, Owiso Odera as Avery, and David Pegram as Lymon. Previously cast Marcus Callender has been replaced by Stephen Tyrone Williams as Boy Willie.

The creative team includes Neil Patel (set design), Paul Tazewell (costume design), Edward Pierce (lighting design), Baikida Carroll (composer), William Kirby (sound design), Richard Harper (music director), and Rick Sordelet (fight director).

Performances will run through February 7.

For tickets and more information, click here.

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The Piano Lesson

Closed: February 7, 2016