The Piano Lesson - Broadway 2022

[imeldasturn]

Posted: 3/4/21 at 6:33pm

https://mobile.twitter.com/BazBam/status/1367614850223009792?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Baz Bamigboye has announced a Broadway revival of Wilson's The Piano Lesson with John David Washington, Samuel L Jackson and Danielle Brooks. The same cast will also appear in a movie adaptation

Updated On: 3/4/21 at 06:33 PM

[itsjustmejonhotmailcom]

Posted: 3/4/21 at 7:17pm

I'm a little suspicious. I have no doubt that someone is working to bring it to Broadway, but this isn't the way shows are usually announced or a from a journalist who usually reports Broadway scoops.

[LesWickedly]

Posted: 3/4/21 at 7:34pm

Baz is a highly reputable and highly respected entertainment reporter based in London. Unless he's saying it's a rumor, it's safe to say he was given the official details to release himself. He is often the first to announce many major projects, yes generally West End related, but Broadway too. 

Updated On: 3/4/21 at 07:34 PM

[JSquared2]

Posted: 3/4/21 at 7:51pm

LesWickedly said: "Baz is a highly reputable and highly respected entertainment reporter based in London. Unless he's saying it's a rumor, it's safe to say he was given the official details to release himself. He is often the first to announce many major projects, yes generally West End related, but Broadway too."

Agreed. Baz is the UK equivalent of Michael Paulson. Yes it’s unusual for him to be the first to announce a Broadway production —but not unheard of. Wonder if it’s a Rudin production? 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/4/21 at 8:18pm

Thrilled that they’re continuing the filming of all of Wilson’s works.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 3/4/21 at 8:35pm

I have to admit, I haven’t loved any of the Wilson film adaptations. In fact, I hated both of them. But I’ll be there front row when this is on Broadway.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/4/21 at 8:41pm

I agree I don't think they translate that well to the screen, but if that's the only way a lot of people will get to experience them it makes me happy.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 3/4/21 at 9:19pm

Agreed—I just wish it was another medium. Maybe a two or three part miniseries?

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/4/21 at 9:36pm

How poetic it would be if this latest revival were to book the currently-vacant Wilson.

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 3/4/21 at 10:02pm

Directed by LaTanya Richardson Jackson?!?! I love that idea! 

Bring it on. Can't wait. Danielle Brooks is a force of nature onstage.

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 12:17pm

Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Brooks to Lead Broadway Revival of The Piano Lesson

LaTanya Richardson Jackson will direct the August Wilson drama, which will also star John David Washington.

https://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/samuel-l-jackson-danielle-brooks-to-lead-broadway_93574.html

Updated On: 3/29/22 at 12:17 PM

[JBroadway]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 12:20pm

I believe the big new information here is confirmation of the dates and theatres. This fall at the St. James, which, in fact, is what earlier rumors had already reflected. 

I'm REALLY excited for this one! 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 12:22pm

Well, the 22-23 season is shaping up beautifully.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 12:27pm

Sounds exciting!

So if first preview is September 19… then when is it opening?

 

[Sauja]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 12:37pm

This is EXCITING. That's a hell of a cast for this brilliant play. Has Richardson Jackson done much directing? That's my only small concern. But I hope she knocks it out of the park!

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 12:39pm

EDSOSLO858 said: "So if first preview is September 19… then when is it opening?"

Sometimes the exact opening date is determined later, but we should assume 3-6 weeks after the first preview. And we'll know by the time tickets actually go on sale.

This is a thrilling cast. Also, watch Tenet and Blackkklansman if you don't know who John David Washington (Denzel's son, and a major rising star) is! One of the great, almost eerie things about JDW is that his speaking voice is nearly identical to his father's.

[bwayplays]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 12:44pm

Do we know if this is an open run or limited engagement? 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 12:44pm

bwayplays said: "Do we know if this is an open run or limited engagement?"

Limited run, through January 8, 2023.

[bwayplays]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 12:53pm

EDSOSLO858 said: "bwayplays said: "Do we know if this is an open run or limited engagement?"

Limited run, through January 8, 2023."

Thank you!!! 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 1:11pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "EDSOSLO858 said: "So if first preview is September 19… then when is it opening?"

Sometimes the exact opening date is determined later, but we should assume 3-6 weeks after the first preview. And we'll know by the time tickets actually go on sale.

This is a thrilling cast. Also, watch Tenet and Blackkklansman if you don't know who John David Washington (Denzel's son, and a major rising star) is! One of the great, almost eerie things about JDW is that his speaking voice is nearly identical to his father's."

I can't speak to Tenet, but Washington was TOTALLY overlooked for an Oscar nom for Blackkklansman.  Terrific performance.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 1:33pm

dramamama611 said: "I can't speak to Tenet, but Washington was TOTALLY overlooked for an Oscar nom for Blackkklansman. Terrific performance."

People like to throw around nepotism complaints on here, but JDW is just a rock solid actor, regardless of lineage. Yes, he has the benefit of being the child of one of the greatest actors of his generation, but he's also developed his own style (after an early career as a Running Back!). Directors like Christopher Nolan are casting him on merit, not lineage.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 1:40pm

John David Washington also starred in a Netflix 2-hander with Zendaya last year, “Malcolm and Marie.” I actually kind of detested that movie but many people loved it, and for my money it’s Washington’s best performance to date. That film is also very much like a play, so I’m encouraged to see what he will do with August Wilson onstage.

As noted above, he’s very much a hot rising star right now. He’s probably very in demand right now, so it’s exciting that he’s coming to Broadway at this stage on his career, especially alongside a legend like Jackson, and another major talent like Brooks.

and I agree that he has a very different acting style from his father. I will say I prefer his father, as I suspect most people would, but he’s still a promising talent. Personally I’ve never been one to complain about nepotism as long as the actual work itself is good, and as long as we are still creating other opportunities for up and comers. 

Updated On: 3/29/22 at 01:40 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 1:54pm

I have only seen 3 plays in the cycle so really looking forward to this.

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 2:05pm

It will be interesting if they will use the whol auditorium. Seems like a large house for the show

Updated On: 3/29/22 at 02:05 PM

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 3/29/22 at 2:25pm

fashionguru_23 said: "It will be interestin if they will use the whol auditorium. Seems like a large house for the show"

I suspect they would LIKE to sell all seats without closing off the balcony, considering the star power here. But 1,710 seats are still a lot to fill, and sometimes plays can benefit from a smaller house which means tighter ticket. If we're being realistic, Sam Jackson is the one leading the ticket sales here. This thing probably doesn't go without a star of his calibre.

Did they close the balcony at the St. James for Kevin Kline's PRIVATE LIVES in that house a few years ago?