9 / 10
It may be true that those who fail to learn history are doomed to repeat it, but what about those who know it and choose to ignore it? What fate befalls them? That question looms large in August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, 'The Piano Lesson' - the fourth play in his 'Pittsburgh Cycle' -- which is now receiving a high-octane Broadway revival at the Barrymore Theatre.
10 / 10
The cast is uniformly wonderful. The three leads blend and harmonize, while adding individual grace notes. Brooks speaks volumes with just a glance, Washington adds spirited bluster, and Jackson's distinct voice was made for Wilson's words. I lost count of how many times Doaker deadpans, 'Berniece ain't gonna sell that piano' - but he made it fresh each time. (Jackson understudied Boy Willie in the 1990 Broadway run.) In their supporting roles, Fisher makes dim Lymon lovable, while Potts radiates gleeful charisma. Watching Wining Boy sell Lymon an absurdly ill-fitting suit is like taking a whiff of theatrical laughing gas. As Grace, a wise-to-the-world woman Boy Willie and Lymon try to romance, April Matthis gives a lesson in how to make a big impact with a small role. The production team also delivers. Beowulf Boritt's set leaves room for an eerie showdown enhanced by Jeff Sugg's projections, Toni-Leslie James's costumes evoke mid-1930s style, and Japhy Weideman's lighting lends warmth and chill as needed.
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!
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.
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.
The Piano Lesson on Broadway has seen several notable guests, including Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Billy Porter, Anne Hathaway, and more! BroadwayWorld was on hand to capture photos of the guests backstage with members of the cast. Check out the photos here!
See photos of Robert De Niro, Lucy Liu and many more stars attending The Piano Lesson on Broadway!
Danielle Brooks appeared on Late Night With Seth Meyers last night to discuss starring in The Piano Lesson and filming the movie musical adaptation of The Color Purple. During the interview, Brooks revealed that she tried to get her daughter to film a scene in The Color Purple movie but it ended up being an 'epic fail.' Watch the video now!
The Broadway revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson has officially become the highest grossing Wilson play on Broadway in history.
Casting changes have been announced through the end of the extended run of The Piano Lesson on Broadway, which concludes on January 29, 2023. See how to purchase tickets and more.
According to a tweet from Deadline Hollywood columnist and International Editor at Large Baz Bamigboye, rumour has it that The Piano Lesson starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and Danielle Brooks could transfer to the West End in 2023.
Latanya Richardson and the cast of The Piano Lesson, including Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Brooks, and John David Washington, sat down with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America to open up about the revival. Watch the video of the interview now!
Last night, December 21, at the hit Broadway revival of The Piano Lesson, Reverend Al Sharpton surprised star Samuel L. Jackson on his birthday with a cake at the curtain call. Check out photos from the evening here!
Natasha Lyonne, who starred with The Piano Lesson's Danielle Brooks in Orange is the New Black, and Taraji P. Henson visited the cast of The Piano Lesson backstage after seeing the play on Broadway last week. The Piano Lesson is currently scheduled to run through January 29, 2023. Check out the photos here!
Tony Award-winner David Hyde Pierce visited the cast of The Piano Lesson backstage after seeing the play on Broadway this week. The Piano Lesson is currently scheduled to run through January 2023.
Watch the cast of Broadway’s ‘The Piano Lesson’ including Samuel L. Jackson, wife and director, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, co-stars John David Washington, Danielle Brooks, Michael Potts and April Matthis sit down with Urban View host Mike Muse before an audience at SiriusXM studios.
Samuel L. Jackson appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to discuss appearing on Broadway in The Piano Lesson. During the interview, they discussed the show's success and Jackson looked back on his experience in the original production of the play. Watch the new interview video now!
The Broadway revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson will be extended by popular demand -- through January 29, 2023. The Piano Lesson remains the highest grossing revival of a play on Broadway.
LaTanya Richardson Jackson appeared on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon last night to discuss directing The Piano Lesson on Broadway. During the interview, Jackson discussed what she hopes audiences take away from the play after they see it. Watch the new video interview now!
We're chatting with April Matthis of The Piano Lesson! She told us all about her backstage routine, must-haves, and more!
John David Washington appeared on LIVE! With Kelly & Ryan to discuss making his Broadway debut in The Piano Lesson. During the interview, Washington revealed his pre-show ritual, which arrives arrives at the theatre an hour and a half early to do. Watch a video clip from the interview now!
The general rush and digital lottery policies have been announced for the Broadway revival of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson.
Danielle Brooks revealed that she will be out of The Piano Lesson through October 23 after testing positive for COVID-19.
The best of Broadway was at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Thursday, where The Piano Lesson, directed by Tony Award nominee LaTanya Richardson Jackson and starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and Danielle Brooks, opened on Broadway. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the arrivals and you can check out photos of Patti LuPone, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and more on the red carpet below!
The best of Broadway was at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where The Piano Lesson, directed by Tony Award nominee LaTanya Richardson Jackson and starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and Danielle Brooks, opened on Broadway. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big night and and we are taking you behind the scenes in this video!
The best of Broadway was at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where The Piano Lesson, directed by Tony Award nominee LaTanya Richardson Jackson and starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and Danielle Brooks, opened on Broadway. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big night and you can check out photos of the company on the red carpet below!
| 1990 | Broadway |
Broadway |
| 2012 | Off-Broadway |
Signature Theatre Company Off-Broadway |
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play | Danielle Brooks |
| 2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play | Ray Fisher |
| 2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play | Japhy Weideman |
| 2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play | The Piano Lesson |
| 2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Wig and Hair | Cookie Jordan |
| 2023 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Danielle Brooks |
| 2023 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | John David Washington |
| 2023 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play | The Piano Lesson |
| 2023 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play | Danielle Brooks |
| 2023 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play | Michael Potts |
| 2023 | Theatre World Awards | Theatre World Awards | John David Washington |
| 2023 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play | Samuel L. Jackson |
| 2023 | Tony Awards | Best Revival of a Play | The Piano Lesson |
