Farmers Alley Theatre is bringing Broadway to Kalamazoo. Beginning Feb. 5, the local theater will be showing the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Fences.”
“Fences” tells the story of Troy Maxson, a garbage collector in 1957 Pittsburgh who was once a famous baseball player in the Negro Leagues, and whose chance at playing in the major leagues was passed up. Years later, Troy’s son has the chance to live the dream his father could never achieve, which causes friction between the two.
The play receives its name from the fence Troy builds around his backyard, isolating himself.
Photo courtesy of Farmers Alley Theatre
“He builds fences both literally around his yard and metaphorically around his life, not wanting to deal with the outside world,” said Adam Winder, executive director of Farmers Alley Theatre.
The play is written by August Wilson and is part of his 10-part “Pittsburgh Cycle,” a series of plays set during the 20th century, each one set a decade apart. The other plays in the series, including “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” and “The Piano Lesson,” earned Wilson a variety of awards and accolades.
For “Fences,” Wilson was awarded the Drama Desk Award for Best New Play, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Tony Award for Best Play, and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Best Play, all in 1987.
“He’s one of the best playwrights of the twentieth century,” Winder said. “It’s a really popular work.”
The play premiered on Broadway in 1987 and starred James Earl Jones. “Fences” will be revived on Broadway this April, with two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington starring.
The Kalamazoo performance will star Von H. Washington, Sr. in the lead role as Troy, and is directed by D. Terry Williams.
“I think this is a wonderful production that any student can enjoy to get one of the best playwrights in this country,” Winder said. “It’s a really great night of drama.”
“Fences” will premiere at Farmers Alley Theatre on Friday, Feb. 5 at 8 p.m., and will run until Sunday, Feb. 21.
Tickets are available for $22 for general admission and $20 for students and seniors. $10 student rush tickets will also be available before every show. Tickets may be purchased by calling Farmers Ally Theatre at 269-343-2727.
