Set in 1911, Joe Turner's Come and Gone is part of Wilson's so-called Century Cycle of 10 plays, in which the late playwright set a drama in each decade of the 20th century. The play tells the story of Herald Loomis who, after serving seven years hard labor, journeys North with his young daughter and arrives at a Pittsburgh boarding house filled with memorable characters who aid him in his search for his inner freedom.
The original Broadway production of Joe Turner's Come and Gone opened in 1988, directed by Lloyd Richards. It received a Best Play Tony nomination and won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play. Four actors received Tony nominations, including Delroy Lindo as Herald; Scott Caldwell won the featured actress Tony for her performance as Bertha Holly.