Photo Flash: Backstage With The Cast Of August Wilson's KING HEDLEY II At Two River Theater
By: Robert Diamond Dec. 19, 2018
Marking the halfway point in its commitment to present all 10 plays of August Wilson's American Century Cycle, Two River Theater's critically-acclaimed production of Wilson's drama King Hedley II, directed by Brandon J. Dirden, ended its extended run on December 16. Scroll down for photos of the all-access pass to the closing performance.
August Wilson is the 10th most produced playwright of the current season in the United States, according to American Theater magazine. Two River's staging of King Hedley II is currently the only production of this rarely seen play happening anywhere in the world.
The year is 1985 and Pittsburgh's Hill District has been ravaged by violence, unemployment, and Urban Blight. King Hedley II returns to his home after a seven-year prison term looking to re-build his life, save some money, and start a family. However, both he and those around him quickly find that in 1980s America, the rules have changed.
Brandon J. Dirden-the award-winning actor/director who has appeared in five Two River productions, including, most recently, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and A Raisin in the Sun-directs this sequel to Seven Guitars, which was produced under his direction at Two River in 2015. King Hedley IIpicks up the stories of Ruby and Canewell (known here as Stool Pigeon) from the earlier drama, which is set in the 1940s.
The cast of King Hedley II includes Brittany Bellizeare (Tonya), Harvy Blanks (Elmore), Brian D. Coats (Stool Pigeon), Elain Graham (Ruby), Charlie Hudson III (Mister), and Blake Morris (King Hedley II).
The creative team includes scenic designer Michael Carnahan, costume designer Karen Perry, lighting designer Kathy A. Perkins, sound designer Kay Richardson, and wigs designer Erin Hicks. The fight direction is by UnkleDave's Fight-House, the casting is by Heidi Griffiths & Kate Murray, and the stage manager is Laura Wilson.
Photo Credit: Lia Chang
Two River Theater
Brittany Bellizeare, Harvy Blanks, Blake Morris, Charlie Hudson III, Elain Graham and Brian D. Coats
Costumes by Karen Perry
Costumes by Karen Perry
Brandon J. Dirden, Lia Chang and Charlie Hudson III
Costumes by Karen Perry
Harvy Blanks, Charlie Hudson III and Blake Morris in rehearsal
Brian D. Coats in rehearsal
Harvy Blanks in rehearsal
Blake Morris in rehearsal
L to R: Brandon J. Dirden, Jackie Romeo, John Dias, Harvy Blanks, Charlie Hudson III, Joaquin Gomez, Blake Morris, Elain Graham, Brittany Bellizeare, Brian D. Coats, Laura Wilson, Kathy Perkins, Brian Eckert.
Set Design by Michael Carnahan
Blake Morris during fight call
Elain Graham, Harvy Blanks and Blake Morris during fight call
Putting scar makeup on: Jaclyn Vela and Blake Morris
Getting into hair: Brittany Bellizeare and Maggie Barnett
Charlie Hudson III, Brian D. Coats, Brandon J. Dirden, Brittany Bellizeare and Harvy Blanks
Brian D. Coats, Elain Graham, Brittany Bellizeare, Harvy Blanks, Blake Morris, Brandon J. Dirden and Charlie Hudson III in the pre-show prayer circle
Brian D. Coats, Elain Graham, Brittany Bellizeare, Harvy Blanks, Blake Morris and Charlie Hudson III in the pre-show prayer circle
Harvy Blanks, Blake Morris, Brandon J. Dirden and Charlie Hudson III in the pre-show prayer circle
Harvy Blanks, Charlie Hudson III and Brittany Bellizeare
Brittany Bellizeare, Brian D. Coats, Harvy Blanks, Blake Morris, Charlie Hudson III and Elain Graham in costumes by Karen Perry
Brittany Bellizeare, Brian D. Coats, Harvy Blanks, Blake Morris, Charlie Hudson III and Elain Graham in costumes by Karen Perry
Brittany Bellizeare and Blake Morris
Brian D. Coats and Harvy Blanks in the dressing room
Brian D. Coats, Harvy Blanks, Charlie Hudson III and Blake Morris
Brittany Bellizeare and Elain Graham in the dressing room
Blake Morris, Elain Graham, Brittany Bellizeare, Charlie Hudson III, Harvy Blanks and Brian D. Coats during the closing night curtain call
Elain Graham and Terria Joseph
Nikkole Salter, Blake Morris and John Scutchins
Laura Wilson, Brittany Bellizeare, Brandon J. Dirden, Elain Graham, Brian D. Coats, Charlie Hudson III, Harvy Blanks and Blake Morris
Laura Wilson, Brittany Bellizeare, Brandon J. Dirden, Elain Graham, Brian D. Coats, Charlie Hudson III, Harvy Blanks and Blake Morris
Brian D. Coats, Brandon J. Dirden, Blake Morris and Charlie Hudson III
Brandon J. Dirden signs posters
Norman Smalls, John Scutchins and Nikkole Salter
Brittany Bellizeare, Brian D. Coats, Harvy Blanks, Elain Graham, Charlie Hudson III, Blake Morris
Brittany Bellizeare, Brian D. Coats, Harvy Blanks, Elain Graham, Brandon J. Dirden, Charlie Hudson III, Blake Morris
Brittany Bellizeare and Blake Morris
Harvy Blanks and Brittany Bellizeare
Blake Morris and Harvy Blanks
Blake Morris
KING HEDLEY II at Two River Theater
Set design by Michael Carnahan
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