About performance
King Hedley II continues A Noise Within’s commitment to August Wilson’s American Century Cycle, engaging with characters that exist throughout these epic plays. After seven years in prison, an ambitious and proud King re-enters society eager to rebuild his life, but quickly confronts the inescapable challenges facing Black men in Reagan-era Pittsburgh. King’s aspirations come in conflict with the stories he’s been telling himself, and he insists on planting seeds where nothing can grow.
Featuring the continued partnership of Director Gregg T. Daniel and A Noise Within on Wilson’s American Century Cycle.
Content Advisory: Contains adult language and depictions of violence including gunshot sound effects. This production will use haze and e-cigarettes. Recommended for mature audiences ages 13 and up.
“[A] MASTER CLASS IN ACTING ...crisp and clear-eyed direction… beautifully realized.”
-Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times
“EXHILARATING ...alluring and inspiring … a skilled director, a talented group of actors, and a remarkable script.”
-Joe Mosqueda, Glamgical
“STAGE RAW TOP 10… RECOMMENDED ...[director] Gregg T. Daniel unerringly taps into the wellspring of Wilson’s genius… [a] superb cast.”
-F. Kathleen Foley, Stage Raw
“DYNAMIC ...… [a] prime example of Black Excellence in theatre that cannot be missed… Shakespearean in nature… gorgeous and efficient direction… each and every [cast member] are absolute knockouts in the talent department.”
-Edward Hong, The Nerds of Color
“BRILLIANT ...a gorgeous production of this beautifully written play… every actor is intensely good [and] utterly in the moment… magical.”
-Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros, NoHoArtsDistrict.com
TRAILER & GALLERY
King Hedley II Production Photos
“August Wilson’s King Hedley II” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Header photo by Daniel Reichert. Pictured: Aaron Jennings.
Sponsors
Producing Sponsors:
Dick & Sally Roberts
Sponsors:
William & Priscilla Kennedy
Student Matinee Sponsors:
Nancy & Keith Price
Z Clark Branson Foundation
A Noise Within’s 2023-24 Season is presented by the S. Mark Taper Foundation.
Additional Information
Special Performances
Pay What You Choose
Pay What You Choose tickets will be available to purchase online for as low as $10 starting at 12pm on the Monday before the performance with the choice to pay $10 or $20 (excluding handling fee). Tickets can also be purchased at the Box Office after 2pm day of the performance. Suggested price of $10.
April 3, 2024
April 4, 2024
Opening Night
Join us for a free post-show cast party after the 8pm performance.
April 6, 2024
Insiders Discussion
Interactive, intimate, and intensely engaging, INsiders is the perfect way to exchange ideas on our plays. Join us for our discussion on August Wilson on April 7 prior to the 2:00 pm performance. No advanced reading or prior knowledge is required.
April 7, 2024
Black Out Night
Black Out Night is a purposeful, exciting creation of an environment in which an audience, self-identifying as Black, can come together and experience a performance in community. A reception will follow the performance, providing an opportunity for the audience to discuss their experience and to socialize! Non-Black-identifying patrons have the option to attend, or to select a different performance.
April 11, 2024
Post-Show Conversations
After select Friday 8pm and Sunday 2pm performances, join us after the show for a conversation with the actors.
Friday, April 12 at 8 pm
Sunday, April 14 at 2 pm
Friday, April 19 at 8 pm
Friday, April 26 at 8 pm
Drum Circle with Gerald C. Rivers and the Peace Players
On April 28 at 5 pm, following the matinee, there will be a drum circle event featuring Gerald C. Rivers and the Peace Players. The event will take place on the front lawn, offering an opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the rhythmic beats and harmonious vibes.
April 28, 2024
artists + cast
The Artists
Author: August Wilson
Director: Gregg T. Daniel§
Assistant Director: Tiffany Oglesby
Stage Manager: Taylor Cullen*
Assistant Stage Manager: Arielle Hightower
Choreographer: Joyce Guy
Scenic Designer: Efren Delgadillo, Jr.†
Assistant Scenic Designer: Mariko Cilley
Costume Desginer: Mylette Nora
Wigs / Makeup Designer: Shelia Dorn
Lighting Designer: Brandon Baruch
Master Electrician: Georgia Shupper
Sound Designer: Jeff Gardner†
Properties Designer: Stephen Taylor
Dialect Coach: Andrea Odinov
Fight Coach: Kenneth R. Merckx, Jr.
Intimacy Coordinator: Sasha Smith
Dramaturg : Dr. Miranda Johnson-Haddad
Lx Op: Zachary Lewis
The Cast
King: Aaron Jennings*
Ruby: Veralyn Jones*
Elmore: Ben Cain*
Tonya: Kacie Rogers*
Stool Pigeon: Gerald C. Rivers*
Mister: Christian Henley*
Understudy King: Andre Brown*
Understudy Ruby: Amber Liekhus*
Understudy Elmore: Herb Newsome*
Understudy Tonya: Kiziana Jean-Louis*
Understudy Stool Pigeon: Tony Winters*
Understudy Mister: Manny Casimir
§ The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
† Designer is represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829 of the IATSE
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
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