Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
THE PIANO LESSON Plays Final Broadway Performance

THE PIANO LESSON Plays Final Broadway Performance

The Piano Lesson closes after 27 previews and 124 regular performances.

Today, January 29, the Broadway revival of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson concludes its run at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, having played 27 previews and 124 regular performances. The production is the highest grossing revival of a play on Broadway and the highest grossing Wilson production on Broadway ever.

Check out a full list of upcoming Broadway closings.

Fllowing today's performance, the titular prop piano will be donated to The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The Piano Lesson is directed by Tony Award® nominee LaTanya Richardson Jackson - who made her Broadway directorial debut and is the first woman to ever direct an August Wilson play on Broadway, and stars Samuel L. Jackson as Doaker Charles, John David Washington as Boy Willie, and Danielle Brooks as Berniece.

August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, which premiered at the Yale Repertory Theatre in 1987 and starred a then-39-year-old Samuel L. Jackson as Boy Willie, is the fourth play in the American Century Cycle. Three years later, a new production, starring Carl Gordon, Charles S. Dutton and S. Epatha Merkerson, opened at Chicago's Goodman Theatre, and soon transferred to Broadway's Walter Kerr Theatre. In addition to winning the Pulitzer Prize for drama, The Piano Lesson won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, the Peabody Award and was nominated for the 1990 Tony Award for Best Play.

The Piano Lesson is set in Pittsburgh's Hill District in 1936. A brother and sister are locked in a war over the fate of a family heirloom: a piano carved with the faces of their ancestors.

The design team for The Piano Lesson included Tony Award winner Beowulf Boritt (Set Design), Tony Award nominee Toni-Leslie James (Costume Design), Tony Award nominee Japhy Weideman (Lighting Design), Tony Award winner Scott Lehrer (Sound Design), Drama Desk Award nominee Cookie Jordan (Wig Design), Tony Award nominee Jeff Sugg (Projection Design), Alvin Hough Jr. (Music & Music Direction), Otis Sallid (Choreographer). Casting is by Calleri, Jensen, Davis. General Management is by Foresight Theatrical.

Previous buzz indicated that the show might transfer to the West End later this year, though no official plans have been announced.



Related Stories
THE PIANO LESSON on Broadway to be Filmed Tonight Photo
The Broadway revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson will be filmed for the Lincoln Center Theatre on Film and Tape Archives. See how to purchase tickets to The Piano Lesson, and more!

Prop Piano in THE PIANO LESSON to be Donated to The Smithsonian Photo
The titular prop piano in the hit Broadway revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson will be donated to The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture after the culmination of the production’s recently-extended run.

Photos: Oprah Winfrey, Billy Porter, Anne Hathaway, & More Visit THE PIANO LESSON Photo
The Piano Lesson on Broadway has seen several notable guests, including Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Billy Porter, Anne Hathaway, and more! BroadwayWorld was on hand to capture photos of the guests backstage with members of the cast. Check out the photos here!

Photos: See Robert De Niro, Lucy Liu & More Stars at THE PIANO LESSON Photo
See photos of Robert De Niro, Lucy Liu and many more stars attending The Piano Lesson on Broadway!


More Hot Stories For You


Photos: Bobby Cannavale Pays A Visit To THE LION KING On BroadwayPhotos: Bobby Cannavale Pays A Visit To THE LION KING On Broadway
March 29, 2023

Acclaimed actor Bobby Cannavale attended The Lion King on Broadway Wednesday, March 29, 2023. See a photo from his visit as he checks in with stars L. Steven Taylor (Mufasa) and Tshidi Manye (Rafiki).

Nikki M. James, John-Andrew Morrison, Jackie Cox & More to Take Part in 37th MAC AwardsNikki M. James, John-Andrew Morrison, Jackie Cox & More to Take Part in 37th MAC Awards
March 29, 2023

Presenters and performers have been revealed for the 37th Annual MAC Awards! See who is taking part, and learn how to purchase tickets!

Rosé, Loren Allred, Jackie Cox & More to Join TITANIQUE's ALL ABOARD! BenefitRosé, Loren Allred, Jackie Cox & More to Join TITANIQUE's ALL ABOARD! Benefit
March 29, 2023

Tye Blue and Fiercely You Entertainment will present the one-night-only concert All Aboard!, a queer extravaganza. See who is taking part, and learn how to purchase tickets!

THE PREACHER'S WIFE by Tituss Burgess & More Set for Alliance Theatre 2023/24 SeasonTHE PREACHER'S WIFE by Tituss Burgess & More Set for Alliance Theatre 2023/24 Season
March 29, 2023

Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre has revealed their 55th season featuring the world premiere of Tituss Burgess' The Preacher's Wife. See the full programming, and learn how to purchase tickets!

Actors' Equity Association Launches New Political Action CommitteeActors' Equity Association Launches New Political Action Committee
March 29, 2023

Actors’ Equity Association has approved the launch of a political action committee, an independent organization dedicated to advancing the political interests of Equity’s members.