Header image

August Wilson’s
Seven Guitars

March 7 – April 2, 2023

Directed by Ron OJ Parson

Quadracci Powerhouse

A co-production with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Approximate Running Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes including one intermission
Recommended Age: 14 and up
This performance contains profanity and adult themes.


American Century Cycle

What would you do for a chance to live out your dream? In 1940s Pittsburgh, struggling singer Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton’s shot at stardom comes when a major recording studio offers an unexpected opportunity of a lifetime. Armed with newfound hope and a second chance, Floyd and his friends discover that dreams are heartbreakingly fragile when confronted by a world set against them. This riveting Milwaukee Rep’s eighth production in August Wilson’s iconic 10-play American Century Cycle, explores faith, artistry, humor, oppression and love set to the fiery rhythms and intense lyricism of American blues music.

“Rich with exceptionally vivid characters.”
Variety


Corporate Sponsor

Executive Producers
Croen Foundation • Beverly & Tony Petullo • David & Cheryl Walker

Media Sponsors

Media Gallery

Photo Gallery

Reviews

"All the actors deliver emotionally rich and physically powerful performances in a story that takes them from boisterous triumph to crushing despair. These actors are also able singers and musicians and bursts of the blues punctuate the story."
BroadwayWorld
"Wilson’s writing is at its zenith,  sounding as naturalistic yet eloquent, exuding a  majestic beauty, Seven Guitars reminds us of why Wilson is one the most important playwrights of the 20th century."
Shepherd Express
"Realistic Louise, wild Hedley, insistent Barton, envious Canewell, affable Red, uncertain Vera and vampy Ruby are like seven instruments in different tunings. Get ready for the music."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Cast

Headshot photo of Saran Bakari*
Saran Bakari*
Ruby
Headshot photo of Bryant Bentley*
Bryant Bentley*
Red Carter
Headshot photo of Kevin Brown*
Kevin Brown*
Hedley
Headshot photo of Kierra Bunch*
Kierra Bunch*
Vera
Headshot photo of Marsha Estell*
Marsha Estell*
Louise
Headshot photo of Dimonte Henning*
Dimonte Henning*
Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton
Headshot photo of Vincent Jordan*
Vincent Jordan*
Canewell
×
Headshot photo of
Saran Bakari*
Ruby
Headshot photo of
Bryant Bentley*
Red Carter
Headshot photo of
Kevin Brown*
Hedley
Headshot photo of
Kierra Bunch*
Vera
Headshot photo of
Marsha Estell*
Louise
Headshot photo of
Dimonte Henning*
Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton
Headshot photo of
Vincent Jordan*
Canewell

Creative Team

Headshot photo of August Wilson
August Wilson
Playwright
Headshot photo of Ron OJ Parson
Ron OJ Parson
Director
×
Headshot photo of
August Wilson
Playwright
Headshot photo of
Ron OJ Parson
Director
Shaun Motley
Scenic Designer
Yvonne L. Miranda
Costume Designer
Jason Fassl
Lighting Designer
Andre Pluess
Sound Designer
Jonathan Hetler
Casting Director
William Balan-Gaubert
Dialect Coach
Joe Foust
Fight Director
Cristin Carole
Movement and Intimacy Consultant
Amy Bertacini*
Stage Manager (Thru 3/19)
Terence Orleans Alexander*
Stage Manager (3/21-4/2)
Becca Lindsay*
Assistant Stage Manager
Hannah Steele
Stage Management Fellow
William Freeman III
Assistant Director
Laura Braza
Line Producer
×
Shaun Motley
Scenic Designer
Yvonne L. Miranda
Costume Designer
Jason Fassl
Lighting Designer
Andre Pluess
Sound Designer
Jonathan Hetler
Casting Director
William Balan-Gaubert
Dialect Coach
Joe Foust
Fight Director
Cristin Carole
Movement and Intimacy Consultant
Amy Bertacini*
Stage Manager (Thru 3/19)
Terence Orleans Alexander*
Stage Manager (3/21-4/2)
Becca Lindsay*
Assistant Stage Manager
Hannah Steele
Stage Management Fellow
William Freeman III
Assistant Director
Laura Braza
Line Producer

* Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Featured Events

Featured News