The Piano Lesson: Signature announce cast

The Signature Theatre have announced the cast for their Off-Broadway production of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, opening at the Signature Center's Irene Diamond Stage on 18 Nov 2012, following previews from 30 Oct 2012, and running through to 9 Dec 2012.

The Piano Lesson was originally scheduled to play at the Signature Center's Irene Diamond Stage from 29 Jan - 10 Mar 2013, but these dates have now been moved forward.

The cast will feature 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.