The Huntington Theatre reopens its doors by honoring playwright August Wilson

In 1986, the Huntington Theatre Company produced August Wilson’s groundbreaking play “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.” It was a hit, starring a young Angela Bassett and Delroy Lindo at the beginning of their careers. From that point on, Wilson and the Huntington were intertwined throughout the rest of his life. Shakespeare is the only playwright that has been staged more times than Wilson at the Huntington—he has him beat by one. So, it’s fitting that after two years of shuttered doors, the century-old theater is reopening with a new production of Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.”

The play takes place in 1911 during the Great Migration of Black Americans moving North. It is part of a series of 10 plays by Wilson called the “Century Cycle,” which tells the story of Black America throughout the 20th century. This series is an important body of work that solidified Wilson’s place in the Black theatrical canon. The focal point of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” is a boarding house in Pittsburgh, and the story begins when Herald Loomis and his daughter arrive at the house in search of his wife—and a cultural identity.

James Ricardo Milord will make his debut appearance at the Huntington as Herald Loomis. “I think stories of old shine a light and give us insight into how to maneuver in the future and also give us insight on who we are and where we come from,” says Milord. For him, this production feels like history in the making.

Artistic director Loretta Greco agrees, calling this play Wilson’s masterpiece. “It's not the one that has the Pulitzer dangling from it. But for me, this is a play that doesn't have very many partners in terms of its potential.” This production is a mix of history, spirituality and mysticism. It’s also about community, which is represented in the casting with 10 of the 13 actors in this play being local talents.

Growing up in Chicago and attending the local theater, director Lili-Anne Brown saw the prolific playwright’s work throughout her entire life. “Wilson is like water. His work was always there for me,” she says. Being familiar with Wilson’s writing made the idea of directing it intimidating at first until she remembered that although the work is iconic, it is still a play. “You start on page one,” she says.

The Huntington’s newly renovated theater will also play a role in the production. It has become a canvas for the show. The central boarding house is designed in such a way that it appears to meet every seat, stretching out to meet the audience and embracing the mezzanine. “The set looks like an organic extension of the proscenium,” says Greco.

Michael Maso, the managing director of the theater, explained that the over $50 million renovation was intentional throughout every step, with the goal of enhancing the experience for both audiences and staff. Instead of cramming the theater with more seats, the Huntington has removed around 150. “In this architectural gem of a theater, we wanted to provide the greatest comfort we could for our audiences,” says Maso. The lighting and sound systems have been enhanced, and the lobby's historic elements have been cleaned, polished and refurbished. “Nothing is the same,” explains Maso. The Huntington’s lobby will be named after August Wilson to honor his legacy.

Maso worked with Wilson throughout his many productions at the Huntington and says that you can’t walk away from “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” without feeling a deep connection to your fellow human beings. “It does that thing that August Wilson plays do. It has a mystical and a magical component which takes it away from the every day and gives it a heightened meaning.”

This is the 12th play of Wilson’s that the Huntington has produced, but it won’t be the last. Greco adds, “I think in 100 years and 200 years and 300 years, people will still gather around to listen to this story, to glean its truths.” So far, this prediction seems to be on track, as over three decades later, Wilson’s play will grace the stage again to consummate a new beginning at the Huntington Theatre.

“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” will run from Oct. 14-Nov. 13 at the Huntington Theatre.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the cost of the Huntington Theatre renovation. We regret the error.