Kai A. Ealy and Nija Okoro will star in August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “The Piano Lesson,” at A Noise Within Theatre. [Photos: A Noise Within]
Set in 1930s Pittsburgh, the play centers on a family dispute over a cherished heirloom piano carved with ancestral faces. The conflict pits a brother’s desire for progress against his sister’s commitment to preserving their shared history.
The theater’s announcement describes the Pulitzer Prize-winning play as weaving together elements of history and spirituality, creating a haunting story about reckoning with a complicated past.
The production features a cast of seasoned actors, including Alex Morris as Doaker and Kai A. Ealy as Boy Willie. Nija Okoro portrays Berniece, the sister at odds with her brother over the piano’s fate.
A Noise Within is offering several special performances, including Pay What You Choose nights on Oct. 16 and 17. These tickets will be available online for as low as $10 starting the Monday before each show, or at the Box Office after 2 p.m. on the day of performance, with a suggested price of $10.
The theater will host Opening Night on Oct. 19, featuring a free post-show cast party after the 7:30 p.m. performance. An INsiders Discussion will take place on Oct. 20 at 12:30 p.m. prior to the matinee.
A Black Out Night is scheduled for Oct. 24, creating an environment for self-identifying Black audience members to experience the performance in community. A post-show reception will follow, allowing attendees to discuss their experiences.
Post-Show Conversations will be held after select Friday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. performances. GalaPro closed captioning, funded by the Perenchio Foundation, will be available for select performances in November, including Nov. 7-10.
The production team includes Marques Green as assistant director and Lanae Wilks as stage manager.
Additional team members include composer and music director Maritri Garrett, and Joyce Guy as choreographer. Tesshi Nakagawa as scenic designer, Brandon Baruch handling lighting, and Alethia Moore-Del Monaco designing costumes. Jeff Gardner will serve as sound designer.
“The Piano Lesson” is presented through an arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc. The play continues A Noise Within’s partnership with director Gregg T. Daniel on Wilson’s American Century Cycle.
The production is made possible by presenting sponsors Dick and Sally Roberts, producing sponsors Sheila and Alan Lamson, sponsors William & Priscilla Kennedy, and student matinee sponsors Pat Hoppe, Nancy & Keith Price.
For more information or to book tickets please visit https://www.anoisewithin.org/play/the-piano-lesson/.
