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Brandon Dirden Makes Directoral Debut with August Wilson Play
August Wilson‘s Seven Guitars will be performed at Two River Theater from September 12, 2015 to October 4, 2015. The play, part of Wilson’s famous Pittsburgh Cycle, chronicles the story of Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton following his release from jail and a subsequent offer to sign a recording deal due to one of his songs becoming a musical sensation. A classic and timeless production that explores themes emblematic of Wilson’s work such as African-American masculinity and a search for success even in the midst of a racist society, Seven Guitars is an incredible play that still holds relevance in today’s society.
A part of the New Jersey theatre world for twenty-one years, Two River Theater has entertained audiences of over 55,000. The theatre is also known for producing new work and new plays, committed to “cultivate a new generation of theatregoers.”
Seven Guitars will see the directorial debut of Two River veteran, Brandon J. Dirden. Dirden is no stranger to the stage as he is best known for portraying Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Tony Award-winning play, All the Way. Additionally, Dirden has starred in Clybourne Park and Prelude to a Kiss on Broadway and also done some amazing work Off-Broadway. August Wilson’s Piano Lesson at the Signature Theatre & Detroit 67 at The National Black Theatre are definitely at the top of that list for us. The production, in addition to Dirden’s directing, hosts a fabulous cast of Broadway talent. Taking the stage is Dirden’s wife Crystal Dickinson (You Can’t Take It With You, Clybourne Parke) as Louise, as well as his brother, Jason Dirden (A Raisin In The Sun, Fences) as Canewell. Also Brittney Bellizeare as Ruby, Brian D. Coats as Hedley, , Charlie Hudson III (A Raisin In The Sun) as Red Carter, Kevin Mambo (Fela!) as Floyd Barton and Christina Acosta Robinson as Vera.
Here at Broadway Black, we are thrilled to see a classic production with a new perspective and are sure that this will be a hit. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased here.
Watch an interview with Brandon J. Dirden down below where he talks about what inspired him to direct, among other things!
The ever so lovely Crystal Dickson did a really great interview with Theater Mania and it seems that the couple have other Wilson pieces they would like to conquer together.
Are there any roles on your August Wilson bucket list?
Brandon and I talk about this all the time. We would love to do Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and play Seth and Bertha. I would adore playing a married couple to Brandon onstage.
Read the entire interview HERE. It’s a treat!
Dave Chappelle/Netflix. Photo by Lester Cohen
Comedian Dave Chappelle made his Broadway debut July 9th with Dave Chappelle Live on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
Originally scheduled to close July 13th the residency was extended an additional week through July 20. Made possible by the In Residence on Broadway series which is a collaboration between Live Nation, The Araca Group, and Entertainment Benefits Group.
Saturday nights are the money makers on Broadway especially during the middle of July, in what we New Yorkers like to call tourist season. However, that all came crashing down when a power outage shut down most of the 41 Broadway houses this past Saturday. The blackout didn’t stop the show for most of those Broadway casts. They took to singing in the New York City streets, but the overall Broadway ticket sales took a 10% hit for the week.
Chappelle somehow came out unbothered by the blackout in his first week on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne. In just four nights on Broadway, the comedian raked in over 1.4 million, making him the 6th highest selling ticket of the week with an average ticket price of $243. He followed behind Hamilton at $2.67m The Lion King at $2.39m, To Kill a Mockingbird at $1.7m, Wicked at $1.5m, and Moulin Rouge at 1.49m.
So, your Saturday night show is canceled, what do you do? Dave Chappelle does to impromptu sets at Gramercy Theatre and The Comedy Cellar.
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So there was a blackout on Broadway…. all roads lead to the #ComedyCellar.
