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Piano with relief sculpture of a family

MOE AND JACK ROUSE and
RANDOLPH WADSWORTH present

AUGUST WILSON'S
The Piano Lesson

  • Directed by LOU BELLAMY
  • Co-produced with MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER

April 11 – May 3, 2026

MOE AND JACK'S PLACE — THE ROUSE THEATRE

ABOUT THE SHOW

August Wilson’s explosive, award-winning play is a gripping story of family, legacy and the choices that define us. During the Great Depression, Berniece and her brother Boy Willie clash over the fate of the family’s cherished, heirloom piano. Decorated with intricate carvings done by their enslaved ancestor, she treasures the piano’s storied history, and he sees it as the means to a more prosperous life. The ghosts of the past collide with the promise of the future in this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning masterpiece from August Wilson’s epic American Century Cycle that explores the complexities of identity and belonging.

“Like other Wilson plays, it seems to sing even when it is talking.” – The New York Times

ADVISORY

The Piano Lesson is recommended for older teenage and adult audiences. As conflicts arise around the fate of their family’s heirloom piano, characters use adult language (including frequent use of the n-word) and explore mature topics including racism, death, murder, illegal activity, sex and violence.

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2025-26 SEASON TICKETS

Season ticket packages are on sale now and start with as few as three shows! Season tickets guarantee your seats and get you discounted tickets and early access to A Christmas Carol and Because You're Mine (not included in any season ticket package). You’ll also enjoy exclusive benefits like the best prices, easy ticket exchanges, payment installments, discounted parking and more.

Individual tickets go on sale to the public on Tuesday, July 15. Join our e-list to get early access beginning Wednesday, July 9.

Available Now

PURCHASE SEASON TICKETS

 Get Pre-Sale Access on July 9

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PREVIEW PERFORMANCES

Be among the first to see the show before opening night and save! Preview performance tickets are discounted.

Sat., Apr. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Tue., Apr. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 15 at 7:30 p.m.


OpeningNight

Opening night

Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights!

Thu., Apr. 16 at 7:30 p.m.



art talks

(Formerly Meet the Artists), stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.

Sun., Apr. 19 at 2 p.m.
Thu., Apr. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 29 at 7:30 p.m.



Pay what you can

Pay What You Can performances are an additional way we try to make live theatre accessible to those who otherwise might not be able to attend our shows. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 513-421-3888 or in person beginning at noon, day of the performance only. Tickets are subject to availability.

Wed., Apr. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 29 at 1 p.m. (Tickets available for purchase at 11 a.m.)


Subs2

Audio-Described performance

Trained volunteers describe the visual elements of the production via a hearing enhancement system, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects. The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue. Before the show and during intermission, show and actor information are shared.

Sat., May 2 at 2 p.m.


Subs3

signed asl performance

Each Rouse Theatre production offers one signed ASL performance during the show's run.

Sun., May 3 at 2 p.m.

SPONSORS

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