The Piano Lesson
By August Wilson
Directed by Gregg T. Daniel
October 13 – November 10, 2024
A captivating story about legacy, identity, and cultural heritage unfolds in 1930s Pittsburgh, where a brother and sister are locked in a bitter dispute. At the center of their debate is a precious family heirloom—a piano with the faces of their ancestors carved into it. While one sees an important history worth preserving, the other sees the key to unlocking a brighter future. In Wilson’s enthralling prose, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play weaves together elements of history and spirituality, creating a haunting story about reckoning with a complicated past.
Featuring the continued partnership of Director Gregg T. Daniel and A Noise Within on Wilson’s American Century Cycle.
“WOW!... one of [Wilson’s] most entertaining and powerful works… powerful, elucidating, talk-generating stuff under Gregg T, Daniel’s incisive direction in a production anchored by three dynamic star turns and five topnotch supporting performances.”
-Steven Stanley, Stage Scene LA
“KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK balancing the pathos and the supernatural.”
-Edward Hong, The Nerds of Color
“MOVING... Like the piano’s carvings, all of the thesps deeply, indelibly etch their all-too-human characters, who are full of longing for belonging, embodying the African American experience and beyond.”
-Ed Rampell, Hollywood Progressive
“MESMERIZING... the creative team brought us back to 1936 in a glorious fashion… examines the deep fragility of his characters through honest storytelling that shines a spotlight on the struggles Black families face.”
-Melissa Hebert, 2 Urban Girls
“STAGE RAW TOP 10... [the] ensemble is flawless… RECOMMENDED.”
-Steven Leigh Morris, Stage Raw
“EXTRAORDINARY... we bathe in the sheer thrill of artfully crafted prose delivered with tasty, lip-smacking gusto.”
-Eric Gordon, People’s World
“TRANSCENDENTAL... incredible performances… A Noise Within is a Los Angles treasure…please go and see this marvelous and iconically American play.”
-Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros, NoHoArtsDostrict.com
“DYNAMIC PERFORMANCES, POWERFUL STORYTELLING... a must-see for Wilson enthusiasts and newcomers alike.”
-Isabel Ramirez, Pasadena en español
THE PIANO LESSON is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
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