It was great to see Alice Duffy presenting tonight, just back from the Broadway run of "Present Laughter". Nancy E Carroll, also recently returned from NYC, can be seen nightly in "Prelude to a Kiss",
currently playing.
Jeff Poulos, Kate Snodgrass, and Paul Daigneault co-presented the Theatre Hero award to our very own Micheal Maso. Funny and brief, as usual, Micheal paid tribute to the Huntington's board for having the
vision to create the Calderwood Pavilion - second stage for us and home to dozens of other local companies.
He also thanked the staff of the Huntington - his Theatre Heroes - for their collective body of work and their individual financial sacrifices of the last few years. Congrats Micheal!
Peter accepted the "Norty" for outstanding production ("Fences") and I had to stop typing for a sec to wave to the crowd as he shouted out to the Huntington's production staff. Thanks Peter!
Karen MacDonald ("All My Sons") graced the stage to accept the Norton Award for Sustained Excellence. I hate to start rumors but can you say "Bus Stop"? We are thrilled to have her back on our mainstage next season. "Change is good".
Michael also gave us a quote (courtesy of Berkeley Repertory Theatre) worth ending the night with;
"Art makes life suck less".
Amen.
Showing posts with label Fences. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fences. Show all posts
May 17, 2010
Live from the Norton Awards
We're here at the Norton Awards. So far it's a great night with the Boston theatre community. Things kicked off with glitter and high heels courtesy of the Gold Dust Orphans.
The best new script category nominees are all HPFs and congrats to John Kuntz for taking the prize.
Peter DuBois just took the Stage to accept best actress on behalf of Crystal Fox ("Fences").
Gonna hit send now so I can watch Speakeasy perform from "Adding Machine".
The best new script category nominees are all HPFs and congrats to John Kuntz for taking the prize.
Peter DuBois just took the Stage to accept best actress on behalf of Crystal Fox ("Fences").
Gonna hit send now so I can watch Speakeasy perform from "Adding Machine".
November 10, 2009
August Wilson's Neighborhood
One of the more interesting things we heard at our post show discussions for Fences was that many people really thought they had seen the play here before, even though we had never done it. The world of this play was a very familiar place for our patrons, as we have now staged 9 out of the 10 plays.
Several weeks ago I received the following comment:
I wrote lgalen back to let him know that, over the years, we've had many different designers and several different directors and yet the plays certainly all had a feeling of the same place. We did not share any past designs or photos with the current team and we don't save our sets. So there was certainly no conscious device on our part to place elements of previous productions into the newer ones. You're giving us a lot of credit - I wish we had thought of it! There certainly might have been a few of the same props - we've been building our stock for 27 years now. And each design team did extensive research on the Hill District.
I thought I would post a few photos from our past August Wilson productions. We don't have too many that show a lot of set - but I found what I could. Do they seem like reconfigurations of each other? What elements do they share.Can you name the productions? I'll give a free pair of tickets to A Civil War Christmas to the first person who emails me with the play titles in the right order (my email address is on the comment form, click below). Scroll to the end for a few hints.
Which shows are missing?
Several weeks ago I received the following comment:
lgalen said...
"I've been watching August Wilson's neighborhood evolve at the Hungtington since Joe Turner in the mid 80's. I've been fascinated by the scenic design. Am I imagining it, or is there an attempt to reconstruct or reconfigure some of the past Huntington Wilson sets, in the more recent plays? IIRC, Radio Golf's set seemed to be a recreation of Jitney's. Fence's backyard seemed reminiscent, maybe of Seven Guitars, or maybe another of the plays? Is my mind playing tricks? Is it just a function of the plays occuring in a specific neighborhood, or is this (as I believe) a conscious device?"
I wrote lgalen back to let him know that, over the years, we've had many different designers and several different directors and yet the plays certainly all had a feeling of the same place. We did not share any past designs or photos with the current team and we don't save our sets. So there was certainly no conscious device on our part to place elements of previous productions into the newer ones. You're giving us a lot of credit - I wish we had thought of it! There certainly might have been a few of the same props - we've been building our stock for 27 years now. And each design team did extensive research on the Hill District.
I thought I would post a few photos from our past August Wilson productions. We don't have too many that show a lot of set - but I found what I could. Do they seem like reconfigurations of each other? What elements do they share.Can you name the productions? I'll give a free pair of tickets to A Civil War Christmas to the first person who emails me with the play titles in the right order (my email address is on the comment form, click below). Scroll to the end for a few hints.
Photo 1
photo 2
photo 3
photo 4
photo 5
photo 6
photo 7
photo 8
Hints:
Photo 1: Hassan El-Amin and James A. Williams
Photo 2: 1990-1991 season. Bonus tickets if you can name all three actors in this photo
Photo 3: Reuben Santiago-Hudson and LisaGay Hamilton
Photo 3: Reuben Santiago-Hudson and LisaGay Hamilton
Photo 4: Eugene Lee and John Beasley
Photo 5: Tony Todd and Russell Andrews
Photo 6: Charles Dutton and Rocky Carroll
Photo 7: August Wilson and Lloyd Richards
Photo 8: Not Radio Golf - and Bonus tickets if you can name both actors in this photo.
Which shows are missing?
September 16, 2009
Fences - Audience Comments
Join the conversation - tell us what theatre means to you and add your thoughts about our production of Fences.
How does this story - set in the 1950's - resonate today? Why do you think Rose wanted the fence? Did you attend a discussion before or after the performance and how did that add to your experience?
How does this story - set in the 1950's - resonate today? Why do you think Rose wanted the fence? Did you attend a discussion before or after the performance and how did that add to your experience?
Click here to comment
[Opening Night Addendum]
I had to add to the post this morning, after an incredible opening last night. It was a great performance, with a packed house full of staff, friends and family, board and subscribers, including Doris Kearns Goodwin, Phylicia Rashad, and Keith David. The after party was hosted by our friends at Legal Seafoods. Here is a small sample of what I found on Facebook (and my email) this morning:
"Congratulations to the entire Huntington Family -- tonight's Opening of "Fences" was truly magical. Phylicia Rashad, Keith David, and an even more star-studded audience, along with an amazing cast and an incredibly talented Director provided one of the best nights of theatre...I can't wait to see it again and feel blessed to be a part of the family." Meg Wieder
"What a fantastic show! Congrats, Huntington cast, crew, and staff and thank you for such a wonderful night at the theatre." Erica Spyres
"...what a fantastic season opening last night! 'Fences' was brilliant..." Justin Seward
"WOW. All personal bias aside, @Huntington's production of 'Fences' is absolutely breathtaking. Do yourself a favor and see it." Thom Dunn
"loved August Wilson's Fences at the Huntington..." Dina Croce
"cried through the entire second act. held my breath, clenched my fists, frozen." Penney Pinnette
"It was the most amazing performance... I've seen the show twice before including on Broadway with James Earl Jones and I enjoyed this performance more - it came across as more human and multi-dimensional than in a Broadway theater. Kudos to the cast for their honest, committed performances." David Miller
""You have to take the crookeds with the straights." Tired as hell, but had a great dinner/night at the theatre" Amanda Rota Pyne
Lisa McColgan "got a big hug from Doris Kearns Goodwin, helped Phylicia Rashad through the Opening Night throng to the box office, and is full of delicious cupcakes. She'll stick with nonprofit theatre, thanks."
Please tell us about your night at Fences: Click here to comment
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
September 12, 2009
Fall Arts Preview
Our production of Fences is featured in the Boston Globe's Fall Arts Preview:
Which Huntington show are you looking forward to seeing most this season? Join the conversation - tell us which one(s) and why. Comment here
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
Which Huntington show are you looking forward to seeing most this season? Join the conversation - tell us which one(s) and why. Comment here
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
Join the Conversation
Last night, at our first preview for Fences, we started something new.
I'm going to introduce Literary Associate Charles Haugland to tell you all about it:
Most nights this season at the Huntington you may hear a new announcement about an experiment we're trying: "After tonight's performance, there will be a post-show discussion".
Are you curious? Here's what we're thinking:
The Huntington makes theatre. People who know their Greek will tell you that the word that theatre came from meant place for seeing. Is that how this theatre works? Sure. When I buy a ticket, I am a spectator. We call those people onstage actors. Theatre's that thing that happens when we watch them.
But, when the staff talks around the office, Peter DuBois sometimes slips in this sentence: Theatre is a conversation. He says it pretty often, and it's a simple remark, so it can fly in one ear and out the other. But, the sentence sticks with me. How is theatre a conversation?
For me, it means at least two things. First, Peter is saying that watching is really active. Attention is palpable, and actors fight to get it and keep it. Are they focusing differently because I just coughed? When I laugh in a new place, does it change their rhythm? What if I react differently than they are expecting? One spectator changes a whole performance.
But more deeply, I think he's saying that people put stories onstage because they want to talk to the people that are offstage. He programs a play because he is compelled to share that story, to invite others to hear it, to talk with others about it. So when the idea was floated last spring to do discussions with the audience after the show, I said to Peter, We have to do this! Its exactly what you talk about! Theatre is a conversation.
We'll be doing six discussions a week during the run of FENCES, and the format will evolve all year long. Sometimes it will be Peter leading the discussion, sometimes its Lisa Timmel (who is the Director of New Work), sometimes it's me, sometimes it's one of the other theatre geeks who work for the Huntington. But, were not hosting the discussions so that we can tell you things -- what were most interested in is what you'll say to us and what you'll say to each other.
Conversation is not nearly as old a word as theatre - conversation only goes back about six hundred years - but it surprised me to learn today that it didn't originate from the idea of two people talking. The root actually comes from a word that means to live with. So, join us after a show, and live with the play the ideas it brings about, the feelings it brings up, the way it works on you for fifteen or twenty minutes longer.
See you there.
Charles Haugland
Last night about 70 patrons stayed afterwards and chatted with Lisa Timmel. Tonight is Charles' turn. The discussions will not take place after Saturday and Sunday evening shows, and when there are other regularly scheduled discussions scheduled (such as Sneak Previews, Humanities Forums, Actors Forum, Playwrights Forum, and Out and About Club).
Please join the conversation and comment on this post
I'm going to introduce Literary Associate Charles Haugland to tell you all about it:
Most nights this season at the Huntington you may hear a new announcement about an experiment we're trying: "After tonight's performance, there will be a post-show discussion".Are you curious? Here's what we're thinking:
The Huntington makes theatre. People who know their Greek will tell you that the word that theatre came from meant place for seeing. Is that how this theatre works? Sure. When I buy a ticket, I am a spectator. We call those people onstage actors. Theatre's that thing that happens when we watch them.
But, when the staff talks around the office, Peter DuBois sometimes slips in this sentence: Theatre is a conversation. He says it pretty often, and it's a simple remark, so it can fly in one ear and out the other. But, the sentence sticks with me. How is theatre a conversation?
For me, it means at least two things. First, Peter is saying that watching is really active. Attention is palpable, and actors fight to get it and keep it. Are they focusing differently because I just coughed? When I laugh in a new place, does it change their rhythm? What if I react differently than they are expecting? One spectator changes a whole performance.
But more deeply, I think he's saying that people put stories onstage because they want to talk to the people that are offstage. He programs a play because he is compelled to share that story, to invite others to hear it, to talk with others about it. So when the idea was floated last spring to do discussions with the audience after the show, I said to Peter, We have to do this! Its exactly what you talk about! Theatre is a conversation.
We'll be doing six discussions a week during the run of FENCES, and the format will evolve all year long. Sometimes it will be Peter leading the discussion, sometimes its Lisa Timmel (who is the Director of New Work), sometimes it's me, sometimes it's one of the other theatre geeks who work for the Huntington. But, were not hosting the discussions so that we can tell you things -- what were most interested in is what you'll say to us and what you'll say to each other.
Conversation is not nearly as old a word as theatre - conversation only goes back about six hundred years - but it surprised me to learn today that it didn't originate from the idea of two people talking. The root actually comes from a word that means to live with. So, join us after a show, and live with the play the ideas it brings about, the feelings it brings up, the way it works on you for fifteen or twenty minutes longer.
See you there.
Charles Haugland
Last night about 70 patrons stayed afterwards and chatted with Lisa Timmel. Tonight is Charles' turn. The discussions will not take place after Saturday and Sunday evening shows, and when there are other regularly scheduled discussions scheduled (such as Sneak Previews, Humanities Forums, Actors Forum, Playwrights Forum, and Out and About Club).
Please join the conversation and comment on this post
September 8, 2009
Building Fences
Here's what we did this August
Comment on this post
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
Comment on this post
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
September 5, 2009
Fences - we have a problem...
...and it's a good problem to have! Our student matinee of Fences was sold out, and we had requests for another 800 seats, and we're expecting more. So we needed to add another student matinee.
There were about 40 emails back and forth trying to figure out the best solution. The only choice was to make a 9 show week. Something the actors get to approve.
So Peter and Michael wrote a nice letter, and Sondra and Justin headed over to the rehearsal hall to ask their permission. Doing this show for students, bringing them into the world of August Wilson, was something that we thought they would jump at.
Sondra and Justin didn't get the reaction they anticipated. I'll let Sondra tell it in her own words:
"Late this afternoon, I joined Justin when he went to break the news to the Fences cast. Justin's explanation was met with silence, followed by the cast protesting that they were not available, that they could not handle this additional burden, or that they simply would not agree.
After another moment of silence, with neither Justin nor I being quite sure what to say next, laughter ensued... Clearly, someone tipped Kenny off to the reason for our visit, and he decided to pull one over on us."
A fun and happy ending to a nice problem to have. Both of our student matinees are now sold out and we are offering middle and high school groups the opportunity to get into other regular performances at student matinee prices. If your school is interested in coming please contact Meg Wieder at 617 273-1558.
Heck - we'll get any group in at really good prices. If you want to bring your group contact Adam Roberts at 617 273-1525.
Comment on this post
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
There were about 40 emails back and forth trying to figure out the best solution. The only choice was to make a 9 show week. Something the actors get to approve.
So Peter and Michael wrote a nice letter, and Sondra and Justin headed over to the rehearsal hall to ask their permission. Doing this show for students, bringing them into the world of August Wilson, was something that we thought they would jump at.
Sondra and Justin didn't get the reaction they anticipated. I'll let Sondra tell it in her own words:
"Late this afternoon, I joined Justin when he went to break the news to the Fences cast. Justin's explanation was met with silence, followed by the cast protesting that they were not available, that they could not handle this additional burden, or that they simply would not agree.
After another moment of silence, with neither Justin nor I being quite sure what to say next, laughter ensued... Clearly, someone tipped Kenny off to the reason for our visit, and he decided to pull one over on us."
A fun and happy ending to a nice problem to have. Both of our student matinees are now sold out and we are offering middle and high school groups the opportunity to get into other regular performances at student matinee prices. If your school is interested in coming please contact Meg Wieder at 617 273-1558.
Heck - we'll get any group in at really good prices. If you want to bring your group contact Adam Roberts at 617 273-1525.
Comment on this post
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
"Fences" - Scenic Renderings
Here are some design renderings from our production of Fences. Scenic Design is by Marjorie Kellogg. We start onstage rehearsals Tuesday and our first preview on Friday. I have some construction photos and now that the set is onstage will take more during tech rehearsals - stay tuned for another slideshow later this week. If you can't wait - log on to Facebook and take a look.
Comment on this post
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
Comment on this post
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
August 27, 2009
Fences - Community Event
SAVE THE DATE -- Monday, September 14
AUGUST WILSON'S LEGACY: A NEW GENERATION OF PLAYWRIGHTS
Join the Huntington Theatre Company for a free community event at Roxbury Community College celebrating the legacy of August Wilson and looking ahead to an exciting new generation of playwrights.
Monday, September 14 at 7:30pm
Roxbury Community College
Mainstage at the Media Arts Building
1234 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury
FREE
Hosted by Karen Holmes Ward of WCVB-TV Channel 5, the event will feature a talk with Kenny Leon, director of the Huntington's upcoming productions of Fences and Stick Fly, a panel discussion with Leon, Lydia R. Diamond, Melinda Lopez, Diego Arciniegas, Summer Williams, Kirstin Greenidge, and live performances of scenes from Wilson's work.
RSVP to 617 266-7900 x1045 or online here
Comment here
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
AUGUST WILSON'S LEGACY: A NEW GENERATION OF PLAYWRIGHTS
Join the Huntington Theatre Company for a free community event at Roxbury Community College celebrating the legacy of August Wilson and looking ahead to an exciting new generation of playwrights.
Monday, September 14 at 7:30pm
Roxbury Community College
Mainstage at the Media Arts Building
1234 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury
FREE
Hosted by Karen Holmes Ward of WCVB-TV Channel 5, the event will feature a talk with Kenny Leon, director of the Huntington's upcoming productions of Fences and Stick Fly, a panel discussion with Leon, Lydia R. Diamond, Melinda Lopez, Diego Arciniegas, Summer Williams, Kirstin Greenidge, and live performances of scenes from Wilson's work.
RSVP to 617 266-7900 x1045 or online here
Comment here
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
August 25, 2009
Fences - Video & Podcasts
Our first podcast! Posted over at huntington.org - director Kenny Leon about what it mean to him to direct fences. We'll have more to come as the season winds up.
There's also some great video with August Wilson from some of our previous seasons and a slide show from the NY Times at the same page. Enjoy !
What do you think? Comment here
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
There's also some great video with August Wilson from some of our previous seasons and a slide show from the NY Times at the same page. Enjoy !
What do you think? Comment here
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
August 17, 2009
Fences Casting Announced
THE CAST
John Beasley leads the cast in the role of Troy and makes his Huntington debut. He previously performed the role in The Kennedy Center’s August Wilson’s 20th Century, at the New American Theatre, and at the John Beasley Theatre, of which he is the founder. Other regional credits include August Wilson’s Two Trains Running (Goodman Theatre, dir. Lloyd Richards), Jitney (Alliance Theatre, dir. Kenny Leon), and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (JBT). He has starred in over 35 films including Rudy and The Apostle and appeared on television for four years on the WB’s “Everwood.”
Brandon J. Dirden plays the role of Lyons, Troy’s son from a previous marriage. On Broadway, he appeared in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival production of Prelude to a Kiss; Off Broadway, he appeared in The First Breeze of Summer (Signature Theatre).
Crystal Fox returns to the Huntington having previously appeared in Blues for an Alabama Sky in 1997 to play Rose, Troy’s wife. Fox’s credits include Gem of the Ocean at Seattle Repertory Theatre; A Raisin in the Sun, Comedy of Errors, and The Piano Lesson at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival; Seven Guitars and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at the Alliance Theatre; and the film Driving Miss Daisy.
Eugene Lee plays Jim Bono, Troy’s friend and fellow garbage collector. Mr. Lee previously appeared at the Huntington in Radio Golf and Gem of the Ocean. His regional credits include August Wilson’s 20th Century at The Kennedy Center; August Wilson’s Two Trains Running at Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre; and Home, Sons, and Fathers of Sons with the Negro Ensemble Theatre, of which he was a member.
Warner Miller plays Cory, Troy and Rose’s son. He recently appeared in The Old Globe’s premiere of Since Africa. Other credits include August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Syracuse Stage) and The Piano Lesson (Geva Theatre and Indiana Repertory Theatre).
Bill Nunn plays Gabriel, Troy’s brother. Mr. Nunn’s many credits include A Raisin in the Sun on Broadway, August Wilson’s 20th Century at The Kennedy Center, and the Spider-Man films.
PRODUCTION ARTISTS
The creative team for Fences includes scenic designer Marjorie Bradley Kellogg (Any Given Day, On Borrowed Time, Lucifer’s Child, and many more on Broadway); costume designer Mariann Verheyen (many Huntington credits, most recently Present Laughter; Peter Pan on Broadway); lighting designer Ann Wrightson (Blues for an Alabama Sky, A Raisin in the Sun, and Scenes from the Mississippi Delta for the Huntington; the Broadway (Tony Award nomination), London, and national tour productions of August: Osage County); and sound designer Ben Emerson (The Miracle at Naples, What the Butler Saw, and many others for the Huntington; Independent Reviewers of New England Award for The Seafarer for SpeakEasy Stage Company). Composer Dwight C. Andrews (From the Mississippi Delta for the Huntington; six Broadway productions of August Wilson plays) contributes original music. Production stage manager is Leslie Sears; stage manager is Vanessa Coakley.
Leave your comments here
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
John Beasley leads the cast in the role of Troy and makes his Huntington debut. He previously performed the role in The Kennedy Center’s August Wilson’s 20th Century, at the New American Theatre, and at the John Beasley Theatre, of which he is the founder. Other regional credits include August Wilson’s Two Trains Running (Goodman Theatre, dir. Lloyd Richards), Jitney (Alliance Theatre, dir. Kenny Leon), and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (JBT). He has starred in over 35 films including Rudy and The Apostle and appeared on television for four years on the WB’s “Everwood.”
Brandon J. Dirden plays the role of Lyons, Troy’s son from a previous marriage. On Broadway, he appeared in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival production of Prelude to a Kiss; Off Broadway, he appeared in The First Breeze of Summer (Signature Theatre).
Crystal Fox returns to the Huntington having previously appeared in Blues for an Alabama Sky in 1997 to play Rose, Troy’s wife. Fox’s credits include Gem of the Ocean at Seattle Repertory Theatre; A Raisin in the Sun, Comedy of Errors, and The Piano Lesson at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival; Seven Guitars and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at the Alliance Theatre; and the film Driving Miss Daisy.
Eugene Lee plays Jim Bono, Troy’s friend and fellow garbage collector. Mr. Lee previously appeared at the Huntington in Radio Golf and Gem of the Ocean. His regional credits include August Wilson’s 20th Century at The Kennedy Center; August Wilson’s Two Trains Running at Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre; and Home, Sons, and Fathers of Sons with the Negro Ensemble Theatre, of which he was a member.
Warner Miller plays Cory, Troy and Rose’s son. He recently appeared in The Old Globe’s premiere of Since Africa. Other credits include August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Syracuse Stage) and The Piano Lesson (Geva Theatre and Indiana Repertory Theatre).
Bill Nunn plays Gabriel, Troy’s brother. Mr. Nunn’s many credits include A Raisin in the Sun on Broadway, August Wilson’s 20th Century at The Kennedy Center, and the Spider-Man films.PRODUCTION ARTISTS
The creative team for Fences includes scenic designer Marjorie Bradley Kellogg (Any Given Day, On Borrowed Time, Lucifer’s Child, and many more on Broadway); costume designer Mariann Verheyen (many Huntington credits, most recently Present Laughter; Peter Pan on Broadway); lighting designer Ann Wrightson (Blues for an Alabama Sky, A Raisin in the Sun, and Scenes from the Mississippi Delta for the Huntington; the Broadway (Tony Award nomination), London, and national tour productions of August: Osage County); and sound designer Ben Emerson (The Miracle at Naples, What the Butler Saw, and many others for the Huntington; Independent Reviewers of New England Award for The Seafarer for SpeakEasy Stage Company). Composer Dwight C. Andrews (From the Mississippi Delta for the Huntington; six Broadway productions of August Wilson plays) contributes original music. Production stage manager is Leslie Sears; stage manager is Vanessa Coakley.
Leave your comments here
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
Fences Announced
Here's the skinny from the Fences press release:
The Huntington Theatre Company opens its 28th season – a season of American stories -- with August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Fences, the sixth chapter of his groundbreaking ten-play cycle about the 20th century African-American experience. Kenny Leon (Radio Golf, Gem of the Ocean, A Raisin in the Sun), acclaimed director and Wilson’s final collaborator before his death, returns to the Huntington to helm the production, which stars John Beasley (Two Trains Running, Jitney, “Everwood”).
“The Huntington provided August with an artistic home throughout his career,” says Artistic Director Peter DuBois. “Fences is one of only two plays from his magnificent opus that we have not yet produced. This fall we take one step closer to completing his cycle with one of his greatest. Kenny has been such an important part of the Huntington’s special relationship with August and his work. I am thrilled to welcome him back.”
Playwright August Wilson was the winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, a Tony Award, an Olivier Award, and eight Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for the ten chapters of his groundbreaking decade-by-decade exploration of the heritage and experience of African-Americans in the 20th century. The Huntington played an integral part in Wilson’s play development process, producing eight of his ten works before transferring them to New York: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone-1910s (1986), The Piano Lesson-1930s (1987), Two Trains Running-1960s (1990), Seven Guitars-1940s (1995), Jitney-1970s (1998), King Hedley II-1980s (2000), Gem of the Ocean-1900s (2004), and Radio Golf-1990s (2006). Wilson died in 2005, just after completing Radio Golf, his final chapter.
Director Kenny Leon was Wilson’s final collaborator and has directed all ten of Wilson’s plays. His relationship with the Huntington began in 1993 when he helmed From the Mississippi Delta. Other productions for the Huntington include A Raisin in the Sun with Esther Rolle (1995) and Blues for an Alabama Sky (1997) with Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad. For the Huntington and then on Broadway, he directed Gem of the Ocean with Rashad (2004) and Radio Golf (2006). In 2008, he served as Artistic Director of August Wilson’s 20th Century at The Kennedy Center, a six-week festival staging readings of the works with sets, costumes, and lighting. Leon is the founding artistic director of True Colors Theatre Company in Atlanta and served as artistic director and associate artistic director of Alliance Theatre. He directed the 2004 Tony Award-winning Broadway revival and the Emmy Award-nominated television film of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun starring Sean Combs, Rashad, and Audra McDonald.
Fences was a seminal work in Leon’s development as a theatre artist. “I saw Fences, and it was the first time I felt like my grandmother’s and mother’s rhythms were onstage. It was so powerful – I’d never heard them before.” Leon is looking forward to revisiting the play. “This will be my fourth time, and it can be hard to direct a play more than once because after a while you feel you’ve exhausted it, but this hasn’t been the case with Fences. It feels like a new play every time. I’m always making new discoveries.”
Leon recalls the role the Huntington played in Wilson’s career and in their relationship. “I dearly miss August,” Leon recalls. “The last time he was healthy was the time we spent in Boston working on Gem of the Ocean. So when I think of August, I think of us walking on Huntington Avenue – starting out for a five minute conversation and talking for two hours.”
Fences is the story of Troy Maxson, a former Negro Leagues star who peaked too soon for baseball’s integration and instead hit the ceiling of racial prejudice. Working as a garbage collector in 1957 Pittsburgh, Troy is resentful of a world that denied him the opportunities for the national success he feels he deserves. Troy’s son Cory, an emerging football star, sees the world through very different eyes than his father, but paralyzed by his bitterness, Troy refuses to support his son’s ambitions. Meanwhile, Troy’s wife Rose yearns for a true outlet for her love, his son Lyons strives for his father’s love and respect, and his brother Gabriel, a mentally-disabled war veteran, offers Troy a different perspective of the world.
The Huntington’s season of American stories is the first in the Company’s 28-year history comprised entirely of plays by American writers. The plays of the season relate to one another through stories of opportunities lost and found, of intergenerational struggles and successes, and of the most intimate and meaningful relationships. Drawn from some of the best writing the country has to offer, the Huntington will engage its audience in a season-long conversation about issues of race, class, values, and a shared American experience. The African-American experience is explored throughout the season, from the Civil War (A Civil War Christmas), to the 1950s (Fences), to today (Stick Fly).
“This season at the Huntington, we are taking on a range of compelling American writing,” says DuBois. “Each production offers us a singular point of view about the American experience, and I'm very excited by the diverse perspectives these artists bring.”
Leave your comments here.
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
The Huntington Theatre Company opens its 28th season – a season of American stories -- with August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Fences, the sixth chapter of his groundbreaking ten-play cycle about the 20th century African-American experience. Kenny Leon (Radio Golf, Gem of the Ocean, A Raisin in the Sun), acclaimed director and Wilson’s final collaborator before his death, returns to the Huntington to helm the production, which stars John Beasley (Two Trains Running, Jitney, “Everwood”).“The Huntington provided August with an artistic home throughout his career,” says Artistic Director Peter DuBois. “Fences is one of only two plays from his magnificent opus that we have not yet produced. This fall we take one step closer to completing his cycle with one of his greatest. Kenny has been such an important part of the Huntington’s special relationship with August and his work. I am thrilled to welcome him back.”
Playwright August Wilson was the winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, a Tony Award, an Olivier Award, and eight Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for the ten chapters of his groundbreaking decade-by-decade exploration of the heritage and experience of African-Americans in the 20th century. The Huntington played an integral part in Wilson’s play development process, producing eight of his ten works before transferring them to New York: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone-1910s (1986), The Piano Lesson-1930s (1987), Two Trains Running-1960s (1990), Seven Guitars-1940s (1995), Jitney-1970s (1998), King Hedley II-1980s (2000), Gem of the Ocean-1900s (2004), and Radio Golf-1990s (2006). Wilson died in 2005, just after completing Radio Golf, his final chapter.
Director Kenny Leon was Wilson’s final collaborator and has directed all ten of Wilson’s plays. His relationship with the Huntington began in 1993 when he helmed From the Mississippi Delta. Other productions for the Huntington include A Raisin in the Sun with Esther Rolle (1995) and Blues for an Alabama Sky (1997) with Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad. For the Huntington and then on Broadway, he directed Gem of the Ocean with Rashad (2004) and Radio Golf (2006). In 2008, he served as Artistic Director of August Wilson’s 20th Century at The Kennedy Center, a six-week festival staging readings of the works with sets, costumes, and lighting. Leon is the founding artistic director of True Colors Theatre Company in Atlanta and served as artistic director and associate artistic director of Alliance Theatre. He directed the 2004 Tony Award-winning Broadway revival and the Emmy Award-nominated television film of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun starring Sean Combs, Rashad, and Audra McDonald.Fences was a seminal work in Leon’s development as a theatre artist. “I saw Fences, and it was the first time I felt like my grandmother’s and mother’s rhythms were onstage. It was so powerful – I’d never heard them before.” Leon is looking forward to revisiting the play. “This will be my fourth time, and it can be hard to direct a play more than once because after a while you feel you’ve exhausted it, but this hasn’t been the case with Fences. It feels like a new play every time. I’m always making new discoveries.”
Leon recalls the role the Huntington played in Wilson’s career and in their relationship. “I dearly miss August,” Leon recalls. “The last time he was healthy was the time we spent in Boston working on Gem of the Ocean. So when I think of August, I think of us walking on Huntington Avenue – starting out for a five minute conversation and talking for two hours.”
Fences is the story of Troy Maxson, a former Negro Leagues star who peaked too soon for baseball’s integration and instead hit the ceiling of racial prejudice. Working as a garbage collector in 1957 Pittsburgh, Troy is resentful of a world that denied him the opportunities for the national success he feels he deserves. Troy’s son Cory, an emerging football star, sees the world through very different eyes than his father, but paralyzed by his bitterness, Troy refuses to support his son’s ambitions. Meanwhile, Troy’s wife Rose yearns for a true outlet for her love, his son Lyons strives for his father’s love and respect, and his brother Gabriel, a mentally-disabled war veteran, offers Troy a different perspective of the world.
The Huntington’s season of American stories is the first in the Company’s 28-year history comprised entirely of plays by American writers. The plays of the season relate to one another through stories of opportunities lost and found, of intergenerational struggles and successes, and of the most intimate and meaningful relationships. Drawn from some of the best writing the country has to offer, the Huntington will engage its audience in a season-long conversation about issues of race, class, values, and a shared American experience. The African-American experience is explored throughout the season, from the Civil War (A Civil War Christmas), to the 1950s (Fences), to today (Stick Fly).
“This season at the Huntington, we are taking on a range of compelling American writing,” says DuBois. “Each production offers us a singular point of view about the American experience, and I'm very excited by the diverse perspectives these artists bring.”Leave your comments here.
Fences by August Wilson, directed by Kenny Leon, at the Huntington Theatre Company's mainstage - Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800. Box Office locations and hours click here.
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