August Wilson’s

The Piano Lesson

Directed by Danielle A. Drakes

June 5- 22, 2025

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this haunting, luminous play is fourth in Wilson’s famous American Century Cycle. Set in 1930s Pittsburgh, Berniece and her brother, Boy Willie, navigate the complexities of their past and the weight of their future, all centered around an heirloom piano with a story of its own. “Like other Wilson plays, it seems to sing even when it is talking.” –The New York Times



Open Captioned Performances :

  • June 12 - 7:30 pm, June 13 - 7:30 pm, June 14 - 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm,

    June 15 - 2:00 pm

Audio-Described Performance:

  • June 15 - 2:00 pm

Mask Required Performances:

  • June 14 - 7:30 pm

Community Conversations

Following the 2 PM Performance

6/7/25: Meet the Design Team

Join us in conversation with members of the Design Team for The Piano Lesson about creating the beautiful world of the play.

6/8/25: Meet the Director

Chat with the Danielle A. Drakes, director of The Piano Lesson, about the process of bringing this story to life.

6/14/25: Meet the Cast

Join 1st Stage in conversation with the cast of The Piano Lesson.

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