Seven Guitars is the most musical play in Wilson's cycle and one of the most conversational, which makes the Newhouse's tight thrust close to ideal: you sit in the backyard while seven people talk their way toward a killing. Santiago-Hudson's Wilson credentials run as deep as anyone working, and this cast reads like a directory of the actors who do this writing best. If you only know Wilson from the films, hear him in this room.
What to expect
A full-length drama in a 299-seat thrust configuration, so no seat is far from the action. The cast includes Russell Hornsby, Roslyn Ruff, Michael Potts, John Douglas Thompson, Chante Adams, Jason Dirden and Kristolyn Lloyd. Expect live blues woven through the text and a long run that stretches past the new year.
Good to know
- The Newhouse is below the plaza at 150 West 65th Street; the 1 train to 66th St-Lincoln Center is the closest stop.
- Seating is three-quarter thrust, so side sections look across the stage at other audience members.
- Wilson's plays run long; assume close to three hours with an intermission.
- LincTix offers discounted seats to theatergoers between 21 and 35 who join the program.
- The material includes violence and adult language and suits teenagers and up rather than young children.
- Assistive listening and accessible seating are arranged through the LCT box office.
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Common questions
Where in Lincoln Center is this playing?
The Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, the Off-Broadway house downstairs at Lincoln Center Theater, not the Vivian Beaumont upstairs.
Do I need to have seen other August Wilson plays?
No. Seven Guitars stands alone, though it sits in the 1940s slot of his ten-play American Century Cycle.
Is there live music?
The play is built around a blues musician and his circle, and music is part of the storytelling rather than a separate score.
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