Brandon Dirden, John Douglas Thompson, and More Introduce Broadway's Jitney
The stars of Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway debut of August Wilson's Jitney recently met with the press to introduce their production, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Piano Lesson). The only drama of Wilson's American Century Cycle that has never been seen on Broadway, Jitney will play at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, with previews beginning December 28 and an opening set for January 19.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson.
(© Allison Stock)
The play's ensemble features Harvy Blanks (Jitney in WNYC's Greene Space American Century Cycle recording) as Shealy, Anthony Chisholm (Radio Golf) as Fielding, Brandon Dirden (All the Way) as Booster, André Holland (Joe Turner's Come and Gone) as Youngblood, Carra Patterson (Wit) as Rena, Michael Potts (The Book of Mormon) as Turnbo, Keith Randolph Smith (American Psycho) as Doub, Ray Anthony Thomas (The Crucible) as Philmore, and John Douglas Thompson (A Time to Kill) as Becker.
(© Allison Stock)
Set in the 1970s, the work follows a group of men trying to eke out a living by driving unlicensed cabs. When the city threatens to board up the business and the boss's son returns from prison, tempers flare, potent secrets are revealed, and the fragile threads binding these people together may come undone at last.
(© Allison Stock)
The creative team for Jitney includes David Gallo (scenic design), Toni-Leslie James (costume design), Jane Cox (lighting design), Darron L. West (sound design), Bill Sims Jr. (original music), and Thomas Schall (fight director).
