Shows

August Wilson’s HOW I LEARNED WHAT I LEARNED

OCT 15 – DEC 01
FIELDING STAGE

From Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson comes this autobiographical one-actor play chronicling Wilson’s life as a Black artist in the Hill District in Pittsburgh. Through stories about his first jobs, first loves, and experiences with racism, we go deep into the life of one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, from his roots to the completion of his history-making American Century Cycle, his ten-play series showcasing Black experience from across the twentieth century.

By August Wilson
Co-Conceived by Todd Kreidler
Directed by taneisha duggan

Run Time (Approx): 1 hour, 45 minutes. No intermission
Recommended Ages: 13+
Context Notes: In depth discussions of racism and racial aggression, discussions of violence, death, sexuality, incarceration, alcohol and drug use, gun and knife use, mentions of genocide, and use of profanity.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

NOV 23 – DEC 29
WILSON STAGE

Rochester’s favorite holiday tradition returns in a refreshed adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story by Award-winning playwright Harrison David Rivers! Beginning with a wish made by young Tim Cratchit, over the course of one night notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts. But will their intervention prompt him to change his “humbug” ways? Filled with humor, heart, hope – and a little bit of horror – A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart.

Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Harrison David Rivers
In collaboration with Sally Lobel
Directed by Elizabeth Williamson
A World Premiere Commission

Run Time (Approx): 2 Hours
Intermission: 15 Minutes
Recommended Ages: 8+
Context Notes: Discussions and suggestions of death. Fog, haze, and strobing lights.

NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN

JAN 14 – FEB 09
WILSON STAGE

September 16, 1963. When Nina Simone heard that four Black girls had been killed in the bombing of the 16th Avenue Church in Birmingham, Alabama, her first impulse was to try and build a zip gun; instead she channeled her rage into “Mississippi Goddamn,” the song that marked the emergence of Nina Simone, the Civil Rights activist. Infused with traditional hymns along with songs including “Four Women,” “I Loves You, Porgy,” and “Young, Gifted and Black,” Nina Simone: Four Women looks at an artist and the women around her as their journey leads them down a path of discovery and healing.

By Christina Ham

LITTLE WOMEN

FEB 25 – MAR 23
WILSON STAGE

Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel comes to fresh life in this inventive, theatrical adaptation which follows as the March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – gather in the family attic. From making up fairy stories, writing for their pretend newspaper, and playing make believe, they graduate to scenes of love, loss, and – for Jo – artistic self-discovery, as they come of age against the backdrop of the American Civil War.

By Louisa May Alcott
Adapted by Heather Chrisler

PURE NATIVE

APR 15 – MAY 11
WILSON STAGE

Brewster’s back after almost a decade and things have changed. Brews is proud of his success working for a large corporation, and wants to share it with the people of his Rez in Upstate New York. After all, it’s been a bad year, and Brews believes partnering with his corporation on a new bottled water factory would be a great opportunity for the Rez to create its own industry and sustain itself. But to his old love Connie, it’s a betrayal of everything the Haudenosaunee stand for. Who will win?

By Vickie Ramirez (Tuscarora)
Directed by Randy Reinholz (Choctaw)
East Coast Premiere
In Association with Friends of Ganondagan and Native Voices

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL

MAY 28 – JUN 29
WILSON STAGE

Before she was hit-maker Carole King, she was Carole Klein, an up-and-coming songwriter from Brooklyn. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is the inspiring story of how she made her mark on the music industry – and found her own voice in the process. This Tony Award-winning musical with a book by the late Oscar- and Tony-nominated Douglas McGrath features the unforgettable songs “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling,” “Natural Woman,” and “I Feel the Earth Move” from King’s iconic songbook.

Book by Douglas McGrath
Words and Music by Gerry Goffin & Carole King, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil
Music by Arrangement with Sony Music Publishing
Orchestrations, Vocal and Incidental Music Arrangements by Steve Sidwell
Additional Music Arrangements by Jason Howland
Co-Production with Pioneer Theatre Company
Directed by Karen Azenberg