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Alliance for the Arts Presents August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson,
Directed by Sonya McCarter
Performances are April 20-22 and 27-29 at 7:30pm and April 30 at 2pm
FORT MYERS, FL (April 12, 2023)– Theatre Conspiracy at Alliance for the Arts is proud to present the previously scheduled performance of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork The Piano Lesson. This long-awaited performance, postponed from October due to Hurricane Ian, is sure to captivate audiences.
This complex play filled with subplots conveys tremendous significance as it examines slavery and the difficulty of Black Americans seeking economic and social equality. The production stars local actors Dwayne Donnell as Doaker, Earl W. Sparrow, Jr., as Boy Willie, Mark Drew as Lymon, Renee Freeman as Berniece, Stephanie Hooks as Maretha, Elvis Mortley as Avery, Cicero McCarter as Wining Boy and Simone Farrell as Grace. The show is directed by Sonya McCarter.
The Piano Lesson is set in 1936 Pittsburgh, PA. A battle is brewing in the Charles household. At the center lies the family’s prized heirloom piano. On one side, a brother plans to build the family fortune by selling it. On the other, a sister will go to any length to keep it and preserve the family history, with only their uncle standing in between. But even he can’t hold back the ghosts of the past.
August Wilson is most known for his American Century Cycle, a collection of ten plays that span across decades to document African American experiences in the 20th century. The plays chronicle the effect of social and historical situations of each decade on individual character. The Piano Lesson is the fourth installment of the collection. Theatre Conspiracy made the commitment to produce all ten of the Century Cycle works; this production marks the fifth show produced to date. Radio Golf is scheduled for October 2023.
This production is generously sponsored by Noreen Raney.
Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members and available at ArtInLee.org or by calling the box office at 239-939-2787. Performances are April 20-22 and 27-29 at 7:30pm and April 30 at 2pm.
About Alliance for the Arts
The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. Since 1975, the Alliance has been committed to transforming lives and improving community through the arts. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, please call 239-939-2787, visit us at www.ArtInLee.org, find us on Facebook, Instagram or follow us on Twitter.