Fences Begins Performances on Broadway

The Broadway revival of August Wilson's acclaimed drama Fences begins preview performances at the Cort Theatre. The production stars Oscar winning actor Denzel Washington (most recently seen on Broadway as Brutus in the 2005 production of Julius Caesar) as Troy Maxson, a Pittsburgh sanitation worker whose dreams of a professional baseball career were dashed by segregation in the sport. Tony winner Viola Davis (who has appeared on Broadway in Doubt and in August Wilson's plays King Hedley II and Seven Guitars) plays his wife, Rose. A Pulitzer Prize winning and Tony Award winning drama, Fences debuted on Broadway back in 1987. This revival, which has its official Broadway opening on April 26, is scheduled for a strictly limited 13-week engagement at the Cort.

Branford Marsalis To Compose Score For Broadway's Fences

Grammy Award-winning jazz saxophonist and bandleader Branford Marsalis has been tapped to write the underscoring for the new Broadway production of August Wilson's play Fences, directed by Kenny Leon and starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. In a statement about his new gig, Marsalis said, "I look forward to the challenge of creating music that not only complements their performances, but enhances the experience for those sitting in the theater." This will be Branford Marsalis's debut as a Broadway composer. Fences begins performances at the Cort Theatre on April 14.

Broadway To Set Up Fences Later This Year

A revival of Fences, by the late August Wilson, is going to be coming to Broadway early next season. Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog) will direct this production of the Tony-winning play, which was originally produced on Broadway in 1987.