August Wilson's The Piano Lesson

Play

We are thrilled to be producing this Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play by the legendary August Wilson. Set in 1936, Boy Willie arrives in Pittsburgh from the South in a battered truck loaded with watermelons to sell. He has an opportunity to buy some land down home, but he has to come up with the money right quick. He wants to sell an old piano that has been in his family for generations, but he shares ownership with his sister and it sits in her living room. She has already rejected several offers because the antique piano is covered with incredible carvings detailing the family's rise from slavery. Boy Willie tries to persuade his stubborn sister that the past is past, but she is more formidable than he anticipated.

RATING: Recommended for Mature Audiences

"This immensely satisfying show, ..., brings a timely reminder of how consoling, how restorative, how emotionally sustaining great theater can be."
-The New York Times

Cast

Boy Willie...................Delanti Hall*
Berniece.....................Khadijah Brown*
Doaker........................Ronald E. Ware
Lymon........................Xavier D. Bolden
Wining Boy.................Sid "The Rock" Ellis
Avery ........................Dennis Dent*
Maretha.....................Mahalia Reign
Grace.........................Ryan Tiara Jordan*
The Ghost of Sutter......Lou Irwin, Jr.

Crew

Stage Manager - Jan Watson

Assistant Stage Manager/Floor Manager - Brian R. Bay

Light Board Operator - Laura Cathcart

Playback Operator - Laura VanOrman

A1 Sound Operator - Martha Bay

* Denotes Civic Debut

Production Team

Director - Anthony J. Hamilton
Scenic Designer& Charge Painter- Rachel Tuba
Lighting & Sound Designer - Delaney McKenzie
Technical Director - Phillip A. Miller
Properties Master - Stacy Bartell
Stage Manager - Jan Watson
Director of Volunteers - Mike Artis
Assistant Stage Manager - Brian Bay
Production Stage Manager - Kira Sheffer
Scenic Artist - David Khyn
Scenic Carpenters - Ryan Burke & Christopher Lewis

The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre does not rate subject matter as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have questions about content, age appropriateness, or other aspects of the show (ie strobe lights and other theatrical effects), please contact the box office at 269.343.1313.

COVID-19 Response Plan

As you prepare for your visit to the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, please note that all patrons ages 12 and older must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to join us.

To stay up to date on all The Kalamazoo Civic Theatres latest COVID-19 information visit our COVID-19 Response Plan page.

ADVISEMENTS

This production contains adult language.

This performance contains loud noises, flashing lights, and live flame.

RUN TIME

More than 120 minutes (2 hours)

THEATRE FOR ALL

ASL and Audio Described Performance - March 5

The Parish Theatre

405 W. Lovell St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

SEATING

All performances in the Parish Theatre are general seating. We recommend arriving early. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.

FREE PARKING

Available after 6pm in the Civic parking lot at the northeast corner of Lovell and Park Streets. There is additional parking behind the Carver Center. Street parking is available after 5pm.