“Money can’t buy what the piano costs.”

Berniece’s significant comment is markedly underestimated by Boy Willie, portrayed with tenacity, blind ambition and frenzied charm by Omar Robinson, who has big plans and is not wasting any time gathering what he came for…the family piano.  However, Jade Guerra as Berniece might not be the only one standing in his way.

Profoundly directed by Christopher V. Edwards, Actors’ Shakespeare Project continues August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama The Piano Lesson live and in person at Hibernian Hall in Roxbury, Massachusetts through Sunday, February 23.  A moving and intriguing mix of humor, suspense, storytelling, and legacy, The Piano Lesson  runs 2 hours and 45 minutes including one intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Featuring a billboard amid an ominous sky resembling the Pittsburg of Wilson’s Seven Guitars in which this show is also set except in 1936 during the Great Depression, Jon Savage’s layered, two floor scenic design allows the audience to see beyond what the cast can which becomes invaluable later in the production.  A green front door stands ahead of a spacious house featuring a living room with an attached kitchen, a large wooden staircase, vintage striped couch with softly lit retro lamps, an overhead brass chandelier and a chiseled black piano sitting center stage.  Highlighted by watch chains, suspenders, denim overalls, Ava tea dresses and three piece suits, Costumer Nia Safarr Banks not only aptly rewinds the clock, but captures each character’s distinct personality and individuality through their wardrobe.  Lighting designer Isaak Olson working together with sound designer James Cannon and R. M. Lawrence’s music direction generate surging and thrilling special effects at pivotal moments during the production.

Having witnessed Netflix’s lauded The Piano Lesson back to back with this production, Actors Shakespeare Project’s The Piano Lesson is an all encompassing and far more powerful show even with Samuel L. Jackson filling Doaker’s discerning shoes.  The Piano Lesson delivers all the elements of a compelling story including humor, suspense, camaraderie, poignancy and carefully developed characters carrying more than a few regrets.  Although Netflix’s The Piano Lesson is an acclaimed work, this production’s intensity and style is best enjoyed with the action unfolding onstage simultaneously and all at once.

The production’s tone can be heavy, but is balanced by each member of this collaborative cast sharing a candid, organic and fascinating chemistry while delivering August Wilson’s robust dialogue at a lively and engrossing pace.  The comical moments and family tension builds right from the start and Jonathan Kitt’s frank and engaging storytelling reels you right into the Charles family’s harrowing history. 

As the family matriarch and the voice of reason, Kitt portrays railroad cook Doaker’s low key presence with a wonderful humility, quiet strength and discernment.  Doaker wisely and metaphorically explains, “Train is going to get where it’s going.  It might not be where you going …the train don’t never stop.  It’ll come back every time.” 

“Ranney” is humorous, savvy and at times unhinged applying wildly amusing expressions as Wining Boy, Doaker’s sharply dressed and talented musician brother.  A comic force sharing anecdotes and a warm camaraderie with Kitt’s Doaker, “ranney” especially shines during a humorous scene attempting to sell a suit to Anthony T Goss as Lymon.  Wilson also demonstrates some observable inherited family traits within the Charles family including Boy Willie’s competitive instincts and confidence that may not have fallen far from the family tree in his Uncle Wining Boy.  It’s just one example of all the subtle yet significant connections Wilson establishes that seamlessly tie these characters together to refine its remarkable conclusion.

With amiable charm and naiveté, Anthony T Goss is wonderful as quiet, sympathetic and well meaning Lymon.  Goss makes the character one to root for through his easygoing demeanor and mannerisms.  Jade Guerra creates a unique and impressive intensity as tough and capable Berniece, a widowed mother ahead of her time carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders while sharing heated and riveting scenes with Robinson as persistent Boy Willie and letting the barbs fly.  Daniel Rio Jr.  infuses reserved conviction and earnestness as Avery, especially in his attempt to ease Berniece’s struggles.  Brittani J. McBride as flirtatious yet complicated Grace and Ariel Phillips as beautiful and precocious Maretha hold their own rounding out this compelling cast.

Exploring family, slavery, hardships, trauma and legacy, one of the most impactful scenes involve Robinson, Goss, Kitt, and “ranney” joining together in a zealous rendition of a hymn improvising with makeshift household instruments while processing their generational trauma together and as individuals working through their past and current hardships.  Enhanced by this skilled group, Edwards masterfully executes this multilayered scene that is warm, poignant, and powerful all at once.

Led by Omar Robinson who is fantastic as frenzied, excitable yet mysterious Boy Willie, The Piano Lesson culminates into a tremendous finale connecting each piece of August Wilson’s rich storytelling for a memorable and intense ending that may remain with you long after the production is over.

One of the best productions I have seen all season, Actors’ Shakespeare Project continues August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama The Piano Lesson live and in person at Hibernian Hall in Roxbury, Massachusetts through Sunday, February 23.  Click here for more information and for tickets.