The Piano Lesson: Fourth, and final, extension

The Signature Theatre have announced a fourth, and final, extension of their Off-Broadway production of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, this time by one week. The show will now play through to 20 Jan 2013.

The Piano Lesson, directed by Tony Award-winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson, opened at the Signature Center's Irene Diamond Stage on 18 Nov 2012, following previews from 30 Oct 2012, and was originally scheduled to close on 9 Dec 2012.

The musical opened to excellent reviews: A production of substance and grace (newyorktheatreguide); Immensely satisfying (NY Times); Sterling revival (NYDN); Powerful (Back Stage); Magnificent revival (Variety).

The cast stars Eric Lenox Abrams (HBO's "Boardwalk Empire") as 'Avery,' Chuck Cooper ('Finian's Rainbow') as 'Wining Boy,' Brandon J. Dirden ('Clybourne Park,' Signature's 'The First Breeze of Summer') as 'Boy Willie,' Jason Dirden (Signature's 'The First Breeze of Summer') as 'Lymon,' Alexis Holt ('South Pacific' tour) as 'Maretha,' Mandi Masden (Off-Broadway debut) as 'Grace,' Roslyn Ruff (Signature's 'Seven Guitars,' "The Help") as 'Berniece' and James A. Williams (Signature's 'My Children! My Africa!') as Doaker.

The Piano Lesson: In Pittsburgh's Hill District in 1936, the Charles family battle their surroundings and each other over their shared legacy - an antique piano.

The creative team features sets by Michael Carnahan, costumes by Karen Perry, lighting by Rui Rita and sound by David Van Tieghem.