THE PIANO LESSON Begins Tonight

Signature Theatre (James Houghton, Founding Artistic Director; Erika Mallin, Executive Director) has announced that performances begin tonight at 7:30 p.m. for THE PIANO LESSON by August Wilson and directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson. The production, which has already announced a 1-week extension, runs from October 31 through December 16 and opens November 18 in The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues). Very limited availability remains for the production's initial run. Tickets during the extension week are $75 each.

Performances will also resume today for the production of David Henry Hwang's GOLDEN CHILD in The Alice Griffin Jewelbox Theatre. There is a performance at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

The cast for THE PIANO LESSON includes Eric Lenox Abrams (HBO's "Boardwalk Empire") as Avery, Chuck Cooper (Finian's Rainbow) as Wining Boy, Brandon J. Dirden (Clybourne Park, Signature's The First Breeze of Summer) as Boy Willie, Jason Dirden (Signature's The First Breeze of Summer) as Lymon, Alexis Holt (South Pacific tour) as Maretha, Mandi Masden (Off-Broadway debut) as Grace, Roslyn Ruff (Signature's Seven Guitars, The Help) as Berniece and James A. Williams (Signature's My Children! My Africa!) as Doaker.

Signature returns to the rich body of work of its 2006-07 Playwright-in-Residence August Wilson with a new production of his Pulitzer Prize-winning THE PIANO LESSON. In Pittsburgh's Hill District in 1936, the Charles family battle their surroundings and each other over their shared legacy – an antique piano. The fourth play of August Wilson's epic Century Cycle, The Piano Lesson is a stunning and moving drama of family, history, and survival.

The design team includes Michael Carnahan (Scenic Designer), Karen Perry (Costume Designer), Rui Rita (Lighting Designer), David Van Tieghem (Sound Designer), Bill Sims, Jr. (Original Music), J. David Brimmer (Fight Direction), Valerie Gladstone (Wig & Hair Designer), and Vinnie Bagwell (Sculptor). Rebecca Goldstein-Glaze is Production Stage Manager.