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The Piano Lesson News & Features

Set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1936, The Piano Lesson is the story of the Charles family as they battle their surroundings and each other over their shared legacy—an antique piano. The drama is the fourth play in August Wilson's epic Century Cycle.

This show is closed.

Performances ended on Jan. 20, 2013.

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About The Piano Lesson

What Is the Story of The Piano Lesson?
Set in 1936 in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, The Piano Lesson centers around the Charles family, who must decide what to do with an heirloom piano that has been in the family for generations. When Boy Willie returns home from a Mississippi prison with his friend Lymon and a truck full of watermelons, he’s ready to purchase the land where his ancestors worked as slaves—if only he can find the money to buy it. He has his eyes on selling that intricately carved piano, but his sister Berniece demands that it stay in the family, even though she doesn’t play it. As tension mounts, the ghost of Sutter, the man who once owned the Charles family as slaves, comes back to haunt them.

August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson Extends for Final Time Off-Broadway
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August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson Extends for Final Time Off-Broadway
The Piano Lesson Star Chuck Cooper on How August Wilson Got Him Closer to 'Nirvana'
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The Piano Lesson Star Chuck Cooper on How August Wilson Got Him Closer to 'Nirvana'
Off-Broadway Engagement of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson Extends For a Third Time
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Off-Broadway Engagement of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson Extends For a Third Time
The Piano Lesson Is a Soaring, Heart-Stopping Theatrical Event
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The Piano Lesson Is a Soaring, Heart-Stopping Theatrical Event
Meet the Off-Broadway Family of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson
Beyond Broadway
Meet the Off-Broadway Family of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson
Celebrate an Unforgettable Opening Night with the Cast of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson
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Celebrate an Unforgettable Opening Night with the Cast of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson
August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson Receives Second Off-Broadway Extension
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August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson Receives Second Off-Broadway Extension
August Wilson’s Family Drama The Piano Lesson Opens Off-Broadway
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August Wilson’s Family Drama The Piano Lesson Opens Off-Broadway
Savor a First Look at the Family Drama of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson
First Look
Savor a First Look at the Family Drama of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson
August Wilson’s Family Drama The Piano Lesson Extends Off-Broadway Before Opening
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August Wilson’s Family Drama The Piano Lesson Extends Off-Broadway Before Opening
Tickets Now On Sale For August Wilson’s Gripping Family Drama The Piano Lesson
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Tickets Now On Sale For August Wilson’s Gripping Family Drama The Piano Lesson
Chuck Cooper, Eric Lenox Abrams & More Complete Casting For August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson
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Chuck Cooper, Eric Lenox Abrams & More Complete Casting For August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson
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