James A. Williams News

Theater Latté Da has revealed key casting and programming highlights for its 2025–2026 season, a landmark year that will include the company’s 100th production, the 100th anniversary of the historic Ritz Theater, and the finale of its five-year NEXT 25x25 initiative to develop 25 new musicals.

Check out the first stats for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Minneapolis / St. Paul Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Two River Theater (TRT) is now presenting an extraordinary and compelling production of August Wilson's 'Gem of the Ocean,' expertly directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg and featuring a stellar cast.

Two River Theater's production of August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, begins performances this weekend. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Two River Theater has revealed the cast and creative team for August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

What did our critic think of A UNIQUE ASSIGNMENT at History Theatre?

History Theatre will continue the 23-24 season with A Unique Assignment by Harrison David Rivers. Learn more about this world premiere and see how to purchase tickets!

What did our critic think of LEAR at Cal Shakes?

California Shakespeare Theater has announced the full cast and creative team for LEAR, the world premiere modern verse translation of Williams Shakespeare’s King Lear by playwright and Oakland-native Marcus Gardley.

ABC7 recently profiled Goodman Theatre's Gem Of The Ocean. 'It's teaming with good Black history because it tells the story of coming over from Africa, living in slavery,' Smith said. 'You're talking about individuals who experienced slavery.' Check out the video.

In celebration of Black History Month, Goodman Theatre presents its first-ever on-site art expo—Hidden Gems: A Celebration of African American Artists & Art—in conjunction with the major revival of Gem of the Ocean by August Wilson, directed by Chuck Smith.

Goodman Theatre kicks off the new year with a major revival of August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean—nearly two decades after the play premiered on the same stage.

Resident Director Chuck Smith, who served as the original production's dramaturg, directs a cast of seven—featuring Sharif Atkins (Citizen Barlow), Sydney Charles (Black Mary), Lisa Gaye Dixon (Aunt Ester), Gary Houston (Rutherford Selig), Kelvin Roston, Jr. (Caesar), A.C. Smith (Eli) and James A. Williams (Solly Two Kings).

Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company announced winners of its 14th Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition National Finals,  held virtually on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 7pm ET. The first place winner was Taloria Merricks from Atlanta; second place, Taylor Jackson from Atlanta; and third place, Tyla Uzo from Los Angeles.

While the theater field remains uncertain yet cautiously optimistic that 2021 will see a return to in-person performances, there is no uncertainty around the systemic inequalities that have been exposed and amplified during the pandemic. Pre-pandemic 'business as usual' will not be enough when theaters open their doors again.

Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company (MJTC) continues its 25th Anniversary Season with O my God! by Anat Gov, translated from the Hebrew by Anthony Berris and Margalit Rodgers. 

In collaboration with the Hillsborough County Alliance for Citizens with Disabilities and Tampa Mayor's Alliance for Persons with Disabilities, on July 26, The Straz Center is presenting the inaugural performance event, Transformations: Building a World of Access and Inclusion. As part of the celebration of the 29th-anniversary celebration of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) legislation, the event, hosted in Maestros from 6-8 p.m., is free to the public.

Blood Knot by Athol Fugard, currently playing at The Pillsbury House Theatre is a show that was first performed in 1961 and is still just as poignant today. A 'blood knot' is explained in the show as a bond by blood that will never be undone. In this case, the knot ties two brothers together in South Africa in 1960, then heavily racially segregated. One brother, Zachariah, is black and the other, Morris, is white.  

The McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships at the Playwrights' Center recognize Minnesota theater artists other than playwrights whose work demonstrates exceptional artistic merit. The fellowship provides a $25,000 award as well as access to $7,000 in development funds. Selection is based on a commitment to theater arts, evidence of professional achievement and a sustained level of excellence in the applicant's work.