Press Release: ABCT Presents August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson
Press Release
For Media Information, Contact Elise Felix, (504) 862-7529
Our annual August in September ABCT PRESENTS AUGUST WILSON'S PULITZER PRIZE WINNING PLAY 'THE PIANO LESSON' ON SEPTEMBER 4
New Orleans, LA. August 18, 2009....The Anthony Bean Community Theater presents August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize winning Play, The Piano Lesson. It tells the story of a brother who is pitted against sister over the fate of their heirloom piano. Starring Brittney M. James, Harold X. Evans, Donald Lewis Jr., Gwendolyne Foxworth and directed by Anthony Bean. Performances are September 18-20, & 25-27. On Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm. and Sunday matinee at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $18.00 for adults, $16.00 for students and seniors, and are available by calling the Box Office at (504) 862-7529. (Box Office hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 2-6 pm. and two hours before performances.) You can also charge by phone or charge on line at www.anthonybeantheater.com
On August Wilson “By focusing on the eternal journey of the misplaced African, whose story was the truest account of the American struggle towards freedom and independence, he not only opened up what American theater could be about but also who could do the telling.” –Marion McClinton On The Piano Lesson A drama in two acts by August Wilson, produced in 1987 and published in 1990. The play, which was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1990, is part of Wilson's cycle about African-American life in the 20th century. The action takes place in Pittsburgh in 1936 at the house of a family of African-Americans who have migrated from Mississippi. The conflict centers around a piano that was once traded by the family's white master for two of the family's ancestors. Boy Willie (played by Stephfon L. Guidry) and Berniece, (played by Brittney M. James) the siblings who inherit the piano (carved to show family history), argue about whether or not to sell it. Berniece's climactic refusal to allow Boy Willie to move the piano exorcises both the literal and figurative ghost of the white slave owner who has been haunting the family. The cast also consists of veterans who makes up a who's who in this stellar ensemble. Wilbert Williams portrays Doaker, Harold X. Evans portrays Wining Boy, Donald Lewis, Jr. portrays Lymon, Gwendolyne Foxworth portrays Grace, Alfred Aubry plays Avery and Maya Patterson portrays Maretha.
The Piano Lesson
Written by August Wilson Directed by Anthony Bean Scenic Designed by John Grimsley Lighting Designed by Lyn F. Caliva Costumes by Wanda Bryant
CAST
Boy Willie----------------------------------Stephfon L. Guidry
Berniece------------------------------------Brittney M. James
Doaker--------------------------------------Wilbert Williams
Wining Boy---------------------------------Harold X. Evans
Lymon---------------------------------------Donald Lewis, Jr.
Avery----------------------------------------Alfred Aubry
Grace-----------------------------------------Gwendolyne Foxworth
Maretha-------------------------------------Maya Patterson
Performance Schedule September 18-27 Friday & Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee at 3:00 p.m.
Prices Adult: $18.00 Student & Seniors $16.00
Box Office (504) 862-7529 Box Office Hours 2-6 PM Tuesday-Saturday & 2 hours before performances Charge on line at www.anthonybeantheater.com
Anthony Bean Community Theater 1333 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA. 70118
Anthony Bean Community Theater 1333 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA. 70118