August Wilson’s Beautiful Music Comes Alive on Broadway
While not all of the stellar cast of actors conjure the majestic rhythmicity of ‘The Piano Lesson’ with equal force, they are able to do justice to Wilson’s language under director LaTanya Richardson Jackson’s reverent guidance.
Since George Floyd’s murder in 2020, diversity has emerged as a central concern on Broadway, both in telling new stories and in retelling old ones. The fall season has already brought stirring revivals of “Death of A Salesman” and the musical “1776” in which non-traditional casting features prominently.
There is still something to be said, however, for staying close to the author’s original vision in reviving a play or musical. Just as classic works should be open to new interpretation, directors should be allowed to keep authenticity foremost in mind when honoring the characters, themes, and language offered by great writers.
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