Jitney Revival 2017

Run Time:
Two hours and 25 minutes, with one intermission
Opened: January 19, 2017
Closing: March 12, 2017

Jitney - 2017 - Broadway History , Info & More

Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (Broadway)
261 W. 47th St. New York, NY 10036

Only one of the plays in two-time Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson's masterful The American Century Cycle has never been seen on Broadway- until now. Set in the early 1970s, this richly textured piece follows a group of men trying to eke out a living by driving unlicensed cabs, or jitneys. 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.

MTC has a long history of co-producing works by this legendary playwright: King Hedley II, Seven Guitars and The Piano Lesson, and is proud to produce this Broadway debut. Directing is Ruben Santiago-Hudson, one of Wilson's finest interpreters.

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PREVIEW Jitney - 2017 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Jitney

‘Jitney’ Broadway Review: Pre-‘Fences’ August Wilson Runs on All Cylinders
8 / 10

Finally, August Wilson's 'Jitney' makes it to Broadway in a powerful, if uneven, new staging at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, where it opened Thursday. Until now, 'Jitney' had been the only one of Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle plays not to have appeared on Broadway, even though it was the first he wrote, in 1979. Has any great writer delivered a more accomplished first play?

With 'Fences' on Screen, August Wilson's 'Jitney' Makes a Broadway Debut
8 / 10

Until this year, 'Jitney' was the only one of August Wilson's 'Century Cycle' plays to have never been performed on Broadway. Now it's finally arrived, in an artful and melodic staging directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, one of the most well-regarded interpreters of works by the 'Fences' playwright.

JITNEY Director, Stars Stop THEATER TALK Today
by BWW News Desk - February 17, 2017

This week on THEATER TALK the guests are director Ruben Santiago-Hudson with actors John Douglas Thompson and Brandon J. Dirden from the powerful ensemble cast of August Wilson's Jitney, now at the Manhattan Theatre Club's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

JITNEY Director, Stars to Stop by THEATER TALK This Week
by BWW News Desk - February 15, 2017

This week on THEATER TALK the guests are director Ruben Santiago-Hudson with actors John Douglas Thompson and Brandon J. Dirden from the powerful ensemble cast of August Wilson's Jitney, now at the Manhattan Theatre Club's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

BWW TV: August Wilson's JITNEY Finally Arrives on Broadway; Go Inside Opening Night!
by TV - Opening Night Special - January 21, 2017

The long-awaited Broadway debut of August Wilson's Jitney, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Gem of the Ocean), opened Thursday night at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). This production completes August Wilson's ten-play The American Century Cycle on Broadway.

Photo Coverage: JITNEY Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway!
by Walter McBride - January 20, 2017

The long-awaited Broadway debut of August Wilson's Jitney, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Gem of the Ocean), opened just last night at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). This production completes August Wilson's ten-play The American Century Cycle on Broadway.

Photo Coverage: On the Opening Night Red Carpet for JITNEY
by Walter McBride - January 20, 2017

The long-awaited Broadway debut of August Wilson's Jitney, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Gem of the Ocean), opened just last night at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). This production completes August Wilson's ten-play The American Century Cycle on Broadway.

Photo Coverage: August Wilson's JITNEY Takes Broadway Bows At Last!
by Walter McBride - January 20, 2017

The long-awaited Broadway debut of August Wilson's Jitney, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Gem of the Ocean), opened just last night at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). This production completes August Wilson's ten-play The American Century Cycle on Broadway.

BWW Interview: JITNEY's Anthony Chisholm Dives Into the Unknown
by Naomi Serviss - January 22, 2017

A mainstay of August Wilson's Pittsburgh 20th Century Cycle is back for another turn as Fielding, the desperate gypsy cab driver.

Review Roundup: August Wilson's JITNEY- All the Reviews!
by A.A. Cristi - January 19, 2017

The long-awaited Broadway debut of August Wilson's Jitney, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Gem of the Ocean), opens tonight at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). 

BWW Review: August Wilson's Compelling JITNEY Finally Arrives On Broadway
by Michael Dale - January 20, 2017

When August Wilson's Jitney had its 1982 world premiere at Pittsburgh's Allegheny Repertory Theatre, there were no plans for it to serve as 1/10th of the greatest achievement in American drama. But by the time a revised version of that script opened Off-Broadway in 2000, six of the plays that would each represent a decade in his American Century Cycle had made it to Broadway and Wilson was firmly established as one the country's great playwrights.

Hail a Cab for August Wilson's JITNEY, Opening Tomorrow on Broadway
by BWW News Desk - January 18, 2017

A friendly reminder! The long-awaited Broadway debut of August Wilson's Jitney, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Gem of the Ocean), opens tomorrow, today January 19, at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street).

BWW TV: Watch Highlights from August Wilson's JITNEY on Broadway!
by Nicole Rosky - January 11, 2017

Only one of the ten plays in two-time Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson's masterful The American Century Cycle has never been seen on Broadway - until now. JITNEY is now in previews at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) for a Thursday, January 19 opening night. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Photo Flash: First Look at August Wilson's JITNEY on Broadway
by BWW News Desk - January 9, 2017

Only one of the ten plays in two-time Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson's masterful The American Century Cycle has never been seen on Broadway - until now. JITNEY is now in previews at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) for a Thursday, January 19 opening night. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below! 

Up on the Marquee: August Wilson's JITNEY
by Walter McBride - January 5, 2017

Previews are underway for the Broadway debut of August Wilson's Jitney, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Gem of the Ocean). The limited engagement of August Wilson's Jitney opens Thursday, January 19 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). Check out photos of the marquee below!

Photo Flash: Portrait of a Neighborhood - JITNEY Begins Tonight on Broadway
by BWW News Desk - December 28, 2016

Performances begin tonight, Wednesday, December 28, for the Broadway debut of August Wilson's Jitney, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Gem of the Ocean). The limited engagement of August Wilson's Jitney opens Thursday, January 19 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). Scroll down for a portrait of the cast!

Photo Flash: John Legend Stops by JITNEY Rehearsal at MTC
by BWW News Desk - December 9, 2016

Yesterday, John Legend stopped by August Wilson's JITNEY rehearsal at Manhattan Theatre Club to say hello to the cast. Take a look at the photo below!

JITNEY Helmer Ruben Santiago-Hudson Will Be Honored in Harlem This Week
by BWW News Desk - December 6, 2016

First Corinthian Baptist Church Dream Center in association with The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, HARLEM WEEK, Harlem Arts Alliance New Heritage Theatre Group, and Walk Tall Girl Productions on Wednesday, December 7 at 7PM at Harlem Hospital's Mural Pavilion, 136th Street and Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Avenue) presents An Evening with Ruben Santiago-Hudson: Celebrating the Broadway directorial debut of August Wilson's Jitney, opening January 19, 2017.

BWW TV: The Ensemble Company of Broadway-Bound JITNEY Meets the Press!
by Nicole Rosky - November 30, 2016

Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway debut of August Wilson's Jitney, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Gem of the Ocean), will begin previews Wednesday, December 28 ahead of a Thursday, January 19 opening night at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street).

Photo Coverage: Meet the Cast of August Wilson's JITNEY on Broadway!
by Walter McBride - November 30, 2016

Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway debut of August Wilson's Jitney, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Gem of the Ocean), will begin previews Wednesday, December 28 ahead of a Thursday, January 19 opening night at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld just met the cast and you can check out photos below!

Michael Potts, Andre Holland & More Join JITNEY on Broadway; Full Cast Announced!
by Nicole Rosky - November 3, 2016

Lynne Meadow (Artistic Director) and Barry Grove (Executive Producer) just announced full casting for Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway debut of August Wilson's Jitney, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Gem of the Ocean).

Jitney FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Jitney have there been?
Jitney has had 4 productions including Off-Broadway which opened in 2000, Off-Broadway which opened in 2000, Broadway which opened in 2017 and US Tour which opened in 2019.
What Tony Awards has Jitney been nominated for?
Jitney has been nominated for several Tony Awards, including Best Costume Design of a Play for Toni-Leslie James, Best Direction of a Play for Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Best Lighting Design of a Play for Jane Cox, Best Revival of a Play for August Wilson's Jitney, and Best Scenic Design of a Play for David Gallo.
What Tony Awards has Jitney won?
Jitney has won the following Tony Awards: Best Costume Design of a Play for Toni-Leslie James, Best Direction of a Play for Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Best Lighting Design of a Play for Jane Cox, Best Revival of a Play for August Wilson's Jitney, and Best Scenic Design of a Play for David Gallo.
What awards has Jitney been nominated for?
Jitney has been nominated for several awards including Outstanding Costume Design for a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Toni-Leslie James, Outstanding Director of a Play for Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Outstanding Music in a Play for Bill Sims Jr., Outstanding Revival of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Set Design for a Play for David Gallo, Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for John Douglas Thompson, Outstanding Revival of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play at the Drama League Awards for Jitney, Special Citation at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Ruben Santiago-Hudson, and Outstanding Revival of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway) at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Jitney.
What awards has Jitney won?
Jitney has won several awards, including Outstanding Costume Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Toni-Leslie James, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Outstanding Music in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Bill Sims Jr., Outstanding Revival of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Jitney, Outstanding Set Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for David Gallo, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for John Douglas Thompson, Outstanding Revival of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play (Drama League Awards) for Jitney, Special Citation (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Ruben Santiago-Hudson, and Outstanding Revival of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jitney.

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