A Noise Within Announces The second production of 30th Anniversary Season: Seven Guitars By August Wilson / Directed by Gregg T. Daniel Now–Nov. 14, 2021
A Noise Within (ANW), California’s acclaimed classic repertory theatre company, announces its second entry in August Wilson’s American Century Cycle, Seven Guitars, directed by Gregg T. Daniel (he/him/his). Daniel previously directed ANW’s production of Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, an LA Times Critic’s Choice, for the theatre’s 2019-2020 season. Seven Guitars will run now through Nov. 14, 2021. In 1948 Pittsburgh, old friends gather to mourn the death of a young guitarist and his dream of stardom. This heartrending blues opera combines touching elegy, humor, and emotional grit as the characters strike their own notes in a discordant world that threatens their hopes and lives at every turn. Bursting with musical lyricism and courage, Wilson’s Pulitzer-nominated play continues his theatrical saga that richly captures the spirit and heritage of Black Americans in the 20th Century. “Each of the individuals have their own song to sing but they haven’t learned to sing it yet,” said Daniel. “As much as these friends try to harmonize with one another, too many thwarted dreams get in their way and they keep playing in different keys. Their journey is a valiant struggle to maintain their identity and dignity in a racist society imposing barriers on them—a mirror to contemporary America.” In conjunction with the blues-inspired musical language of the play, the guitar becomes a prominent symbol of ambition and unfulfilled promise for all the characters as they navigate their lives and their relationships with each other. “The seven characters who inhabit this thrilling piece all have a passionate story to tell, but each is incessantly muted by systemic racism. Theirs is a story of courage and resilience,” said Co-Producing Artistic Directors Geoff Elliott (he/him/his) and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott (she/her/hers). The wellness of the patrons, staff, crew, and artists continues to be a top priority for A Noise Within. For over a year, the theatre has developed and refined extensive plans to keep everyone safe. These procedures include but are not limited to: staff and crew certifying as COVID compliance officers, initiating a deep clean of our HVAC system for optimal turnover of fresh air, routinely disinfecting high-touch areas, providing PPE, and following LA Department of Health guidelines. Before being admitted into the theatre, all audience members must provide proof of full vaccination. Masks are required regardless of vaccination status and will be available onsite until such time that LA County stops requiring masks indoors.At that point, masks will continue to be strongly recommended. A Noise Within has required full vaccination for all staff, artists, and volunteers who work onsite. Social distanced seating is available upon request. More information is available at anoisewithin.org/covidsafety. “We are engaging in ongoing conversations with crew, staff, and artists to ensure that we hear all voices and make everyone feel as safe as possible,” said Managing Director Michael Bateman (he/him/his). Single ticket prices for Seven Guitars start at $25 and are available at anoisewithin.org, by phone at 626-356-3121, and at the box office located at 3352 East Foothill Blvd in Pasadena, Calif. August Wilson's Seven Guitars is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com. |
|
