The Piano Lesson on Broadway
A seminal, Pulitzer Prize®-winning drama
August Wilson’s 1987 play is the The Pittsburgh Cycle.
The Piano Lesson is set in Pittsburgh's Hill District in 1936. A brother Boy Willie (played by John David Washington) and sister Berniece (played by Danielle Brooks) are fighting over the fate of a family heirloom: a piano carved with the faces and deep history of their ancestors. As the two continue to be at odds. They both rediscover the history of the instrument and ultimately come to a seemingly spiritual truce with one another. Boy Willie is thirty years old. talkative and energetic character. He loves the excitement of being not only defiant. But, dreaming without limitations. John David Washington does a phenomenal job at capturing this character’s essence. You’ll find yourself saying one of two things. He really loves to talk and, he really loves to hear himself talk. But, through it derives many messages if you listen to him.
The crowd gives a standing ovation for the excellent acting done by the entire cast.
Boy Willie may be high strung, but he wants a better life and needs the piano to be sold in order to have more money to purchase land in Mississippi. Doaker (played by Samuel L. Jackson ) is Berniece and Boy Willie's uncle and the owner of the household in which the play takes place. He’s laid back but, will stand up when necessary. He does seemingly straddle’s the fence between the two siblings. Samuel L. Jackson acting let’s you see that right away. He of course delivers the uncle’s obvious love for his niece and nephew. In one scene. He shows the respect of Berniece’s wishes to keep the piano in the family must be abided by when Boy Willie attempts to move the unusually heavy instrument out of the house with his friend Lymon (played by while Ray Fisher) when his sister isn’t home.
Image of the stage after the last closing scene. The Piano Lesson By August Wilson
Doaker made sure to stop him from removing it—yet-when Berniece arrives home…the uncle says he can’t make Boy Willie to leave after she demands him several times over to go back to the south. Yes, he’s a walking contradiction in this sense. But, you can see immediately that he wants to be fair? Yes, it’s confusing. But, if you have family members who are at odds and you truly love them both? It can be a difficult situation. These are the types of scenes that really depict the true complexity of real life and its situations. August Wilson knew this. That’s what what makes the later writer’s play great. But, the delivery from the amazing cast is what bring the words to life. Danielle Brooks has such a beautiful yet riveting voice. She nails her character Berniece’s personality. You can see her vulnerability entangled in all of that strength she’s holding onto. Director LaTanya Richardson does an incredible job with this period piece. Every element of the play was wonderfully executed. From stage design to short musical numbers which highlighted Samuel L. Jackson’s singing and harmonizing abilities.
The Piano Lesson will be running for 17 weeks at the ETHEL BARRYMORE THEATRE 243 W. 47TH ST., NEW YORK, NY. +
Leading Cast :Danielle Brooks, Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington. Also Starring: Trai Byers, Ray Fisher, April Matthis, Michael Potts.
