The Piano Lesson 1990

Opened: April 16, 1990
Closing: January 27, 1991

The Piano Lesson - 1990 - Broadway History , Info & More

Walter Kerr Theatre (Broadway)
219 West 48th St. New York, NY

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10 Baltimore Theaters To Present August Wilson's American Century Cycle From 2024-2027
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 29, 2024


Ten theater companies in Baltimore are undertaking an unprecedented joint project with the 3-year BALTIMORE AUGUST WILSON CELEBRATION, which will present the late, legendary playwright's August Wilson American Century Cycle of plays in another first.

August Wilson's Work Returns to the Goodman; Annual Competition Winners Advance to Finals
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 22, 2024


Rehearsals for longtime August Wilson interpreter Chuck Smith’s new production of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone are underway with an all-Chicago cast. Learn more about the production.

THE PIANO LESSON Broadway Revival Officially Recoups
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 19, 2024


The Broadway revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson which concluded its Broadway engagement on January 29, 2023, has officially recouped its investment.

Review: THE PIANO LESSON at The Black Theatre Troupe
by Herbert Paine - Feb 13, 2024


THE PIANO LESSON is emblematic of August Wilson’s mastery in conveying the challenges of the African-American experience through words and richly drawn characters. Patdro Harris directs The Black Theatre Troupe's production with a keen eye to honoring these essential elements of Wilson’s artistry and with an ensemble that is nothing less than inspired and dynamic.

Review: BNS PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS AUGUST WILSON'S 'THE PIANO LESSON' at The Parr Center
by Vickie Evans - Feb 6, 2024


The Cast Of BNS Productions' adaptation of August Wilson's 'Piano Lesson' was absolutely superb which facilitated the outstanding presentation of an intriguing storyline.

Black Theatre Troupe Presents August Wilson's Iconic PIANO LESSON
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 21, 2023


Black Theatre Troupe has announced the upcoming production of August Wilson's critically acclaimed play, THE PIANO LESSON.

August Wilson's HOW I LEARNED WHAT I LEARNED is Coming to TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 12, 2023


THEATREWORKS SILICON VALLEY presents August Wilson's 'How I Learned What I Learned,' a powerful one-man show about the life of the acclaimed playwright. Don't miss this heartfelt portrayal of a theatrical trailblazer.

George Street Playhouse Presents HAVING OUR SAY - Previews Begin November 28
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2023


George Street Playhouse presents Having Our Say, the Tony Award-nominated play by Emily Mann (A Streetcar Named Desire, Anna and the Tropics). Having Our Say is adapted from the book by Sarah (Sadie) L. Delany & A. Elizabeth (Bessie) Delany with Amy Hill Hearth and is directed by Laiona Michelle (Her Portmanteau).

Yale Rep's WISH YOU WERE HERE Cast and Creative Team Revealed
by Stephi Wild - Aug 22, 2023


Yale Repertory Theatre  begins its 2023–24 season with Wish You Were Here by Sanaz Toossi, directed by Sivan Battat, October 5–28, at Yale Repertory Theatre. Opening Night is Thursday, October 12, which is also press night.

Interview: LisaGay Hamilton Cooks Up a Tasty STEW at the Pasadena Playhouse
by Gil Kaan - Jul 19, 2023


Just opened at the Pasadena Playhouse, recently crowned recipient of the 2023 Regional Tony Award, the Los Angeles premiere of Pulitzer Prize-finalist Zora Howard’s Stew. Tyler Thomas directs the cast of LisaGay Hamilton, Roslyn Ruff, Jasmine Ashanti and Samantha Miller. LisaGay graciously found some time after the opening to answer a few of my queries.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play FENCES by August Wilson is Coming to Shakespeare & Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 17, 2023


Experience the emotional depth and powerful storytelling of August Wilson's Fences at Shakespeare & Company. Follow the struggles of Troy Maxson as he navigates dreams, regrets, and a longing for a different life. Don't miss this Pulitzer Prize-winning play, part of Wilson's acclaimed American Century Cycle. Get your tickets now!

Who Will Win at the 2023 Tony Awards?
by Team BWW - Jun 9, 2023


Which Best Musical and Best Play nominees will take home the ultimate prize at the 2023 Tony Awards? We're breaking it down.

Video: Who Will Win the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama? Watch Live at 3pm!
by Nicole Rosky - May 8, 2023


The Pulitzer Prize Board will present the 2023 award winners for Prizes in Journalism, Books, Drama and Music. Who will win this year? Tune in right here at 3pm to watch the announcement live!

Sanaz Toossi's ENGLISH Wins 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
by Nicole Rosky - May 8, 2023


The Pulitzer Prize Board has just announced that English, by Sanaz Toossi has won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Other finalists included: On Sugarland by Aleshea Harris and The Far Country by Lloyd Suh.

Video: WORKING IN THE THEATRE Docuseries Spotlights THE PIANO LESSON
by Stephi Wild - Apr 27, 2023


The hit Broadway revival of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson is featured in the latest episode of “Working in the Theatre” with director LaTanya Richardson Jackson and set designer Beowulf Boritt. The episode features exclusive interviews and discussion on their collaboration on August Wilson's The Piano Lesson.

Danielle Deadwyler & More Join Samuel L. Jackson & John David Washington in THE PIANO LESSON Film Adaptation
by Michael Major - Apr 13, 2023


Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington will reprise their Broadway performances in the upcoming film adaptation of The Piano Lesson, which is currently set for a Netflix premiere. Malcolm Washington will direct the upcoming feature, which will also include Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts, Corey Hawkins, and Ray Fisher.

James Monroe Iglehart-Directed SPELLING BEE And More Announced For TheatreWorks Silicon Valley 53rd Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 10, 2023


TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has announced its 53rd season to be presented October 2023 through June 2024.

NCIS's Rocky Carroll To Star In August Wilson's HOW I LEARNED WHAT I LEARNED At Los Angeles Theatre Center
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 10, 2023


NCIS's Rocky Carroll to star in Los Angeles premiere of August Wilson's 'How I Learned What I Learned'

Arden Theatre Company Continues Season With August Wilson's RADIO GOLF, March 23- April 16
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 3, 2023


Arden Theatre Company is bringing audiences back into the world of August Wilson's ten-part series, The American Century Cycle. This time audiences will journey to Pittsburgh in the late 1990s for the final play of the cycle, August Wilson's Radio Golf. This bittersweet drama of assimilation and alienation in nineties America traces the forces of change on a neighborhood and its people caught between history and the twenty-first century. This is the fifth play in the cycle that the Arden has produced.  Kash Goins, who was an actor in the Arden's production of Two Trains Running, returns to direct. August Wilson's Radio Golf runs March 23-April 16.

Cast Announced for ETTA & ELLA ON THE UPPER WEST SIDE at REDCAT
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 5, 2023


One of the American theater's seminal writers, Adrienne Kennedy captures the Black experience in America in the 20th century with a trademark embrace of symbolism, lyricism, and mythic figures. In this world premiere production, Etta and Ella Harrison are talented academics on the Upper West Side – as well as sisters and rivals.

Video: Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for NEW YORK, NEW YORK; Plus Watch a New Trailer!
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 1, 2023


The full cast and creative team has been announced for the brand new Kander & Ebb musical, NEW YORK, NEW YORK. Plus, check out a new trailer of the cast in action!

THE PIANO LESSON to be Filmed for the Lincoln Center Theatre on Film and Tape Archives
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 26, 2023


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!

THE PIANO LESSON Plays Final Broadway Performance
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 29, 2023


On 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.

Prop Piano in THE PIANO LESSON on Broadway to be Donated to The Smithsonian
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2023


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.

Graham Phillips & Krystina Alabado to Star in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at Pasadena Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 12, 2023


Pasadena Playhouse has announced the cast for Sunday in the Park with George, the first production of the theater’s six-month-long celebration of Stephen Sondheim. See performances dates and how to purchase tickets!

The Piano Lesson FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of The Piano Lesson have there been?
The Piano Lesson has had 3 productions including Broadway which opened in 1990, Off-Broadway which opened in 2012 and Broadway which opened in 2022.
What Tony Awards has The Piano Lesson been nominated for?
The Piano Lesson has been nominated for several Tony Awards. It was nominated for Best Play and Best Direction of a Play for Lloyd Richards.
What awards has The Piano Lesson been nominated for?
The Piano Lesson has been nominated for several awards, including Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Lloyd Richards, Outstanding New Play at the Drama Desk Awards for August Wilson, Best Broadway Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Best Debut Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Rocky Carroll, Best Director at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Lloyd Richards, Performance at the Theatre World Awards for Rocky Carroll and Tommy Hollis, and The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for August Wilson.
What awards has The Piano Lesson won?
The Piano Lesson has won several awards, including Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. Lloyd Richards received the Outstanding Director - Play award at the Drama Desk Awards, while August Wilson won the Outstanding New Play award at the same event. The show also won the Best Broadway Play award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Rocky Carroll received the Best Debut Performance award, and Lloyd Richards won the Best Director award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards as well. Additionally, Rocky Carroll and Tommy Hollis were recognized for their performances with the Theatre World Awards. The Piano Lesson also received the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama, awarded to August Wilson.

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