Header image

August Wilson’s
Seven Guitars

March 7 – April 2, 2023

Directed by Ron OJ Parson

Quadracci Powerhouse

A co-production with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Approximate Running Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes including one intermission
Recommended Age: 14 and up
This performance contains profanity and adult themes.

American Century Cycle

What would you do for a chance to live out your dream? In 1940s Pittsburgh, struggling singer Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton’s shot at stardom comes when a major recording studio offers an unexpected opportunity of a lifetime. Armed with newfound hope and a second chance, Floyd and his friends discover that dreams are heartbreakingly fragile when confronted by a world set against them. This riveting Milwaukee Rep’s eighth production in August Wilson’s iconic 10-play American Century Cycle, explores faith, artistry, humor, oppression and love set to the fiery rhythms and intense lyricism of American blues music.

“Rich with exceptionally vivid characters.”
– Variety

Corporate Sponsor

Executive Producers
Croen Foundation • Beverly & Tony Petullo • David & Cheryl Walker

Media Sponsors

Special Dates

Pay What You Can
Tuesday, March 7, 7:30pm
Wednesday, March 8, 7:30pm
(Based on availability)

Early Bird Performance
Tuesday, March 14, 6:30pm

Audio Described Performance
Tuesday, March 14, 6:30pm 

ASL Performance
Thursday, March 23, 7:30pm 

Captioned Performance
Sunday, April 2, 2pm  

Bus Matinee Performance
Wednesday, March 22, 1:30pm

TalkBacks

Thursday evenings after the 7:30pm performance
March 16, 23 and 30

Resources

Program

PlayGuide

Teacher Guide

Media Gallery

×

Photo Gallery

×
Milwaukee Rep presents August Wilson’s Seven Guitars in the Quadracci Powerhouse March 7 – April 2, 2023. Pictured: Dimonte Henning, Kierra Bunch, Marsha Estell, Bryan Bentley, Kevin Brown and Vincent Jordan. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Milwaukee Rep presents August Wilson’s Seven Guitars in the Quadracci Powerhouse March 7 – April 2, 2023. Pictured: Kierra Bunch, Dimonte Henning, Marsha Estell, Bryan Bentley and Vincent Jordan. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Milwaukee Rep presents August Wilson’s Seven Guitars in the Quadracci Powerhouse March 7 – April 2, 2023. Pictured: Dimonte Henning and Kierra Bunch. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Milwaukee Rep presents August Wilson’s Seven Guitars in the Quadracci Powerhouse March 7 – April 2, 2023. Pictured: Vincent Jordan and Kevin Brown. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Milwaukee Rep presents August Wilson’s Seven Guitars in the Quadracci Powerhouse March 7 – April 2, 2023. Pictured: Dimonte Henning, Bryan Bentley and Vincent Jordan. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Milwaukee Rep presents August Wilson’s Seven Guitars in the Quadracci Powerhouse March 7 – April 2, 2023. Pictured: Marsha Estell, Kierra Bunch, and Saran Bakari. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Reviews

"All the actors deliver emotionally rich and physically powerful performances in a story that takes them from boisterous triumph to crushing despair. These actors are also able singers and musicians and bursts of the blues punctuate the story."
BroadwayWorld
"Wilson’s writing is at its zenith,  sounding as naturalistic yet eloquent, exuding a  majestic beauty, Seven Guitars reminds us of why Wilson is one the most important playwrights of the 20th century."
Shepherd Express
"Realistic Louise, wild Hedley, insistent Barton, envious Canewell, affable Red, uncertain Vera and vampy Ruby are like seven instruments in different tunings. Get ready for the music."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Cast

Headshot photo of Saran Bakari*
Saran Bakari*
Ruby
Headshot photo of Bryant Bentley*
Bryant Bentley*
Red Carter
Headshot photo of Kevin Brown*
Kevin Brown*
Hedley
Headshot photo of Kierra Bunch*
Kierra Bunch*
Vera
Headshot photo of Marsha Estell*
Marsha Estell*
Louise
Headshot photo of Dimonte Henning*
Dimonte Henning*
Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton
Headshot photo of Vincent Jordan*
Vincent Jordan*
Canewell
×
Headshot photo of
Saran Bakari*
Ruby
Headshot photo of
Bryant Bentley*
Red Carter
Headshot photo of
Kevin Brown*
Hedley
Headshot photo of
Kierra Bunch*
Vera
Headshot photo of
Marsha Estell*
Louise
Headshot photo of
Dimonte Henning*
Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton
Headshot photo of
Vincent Jordan*
Canewell

Creative Team

Headshot photo of August Wilson
August Wilson
Playwright
Headshot photo of Ron OJ Parson
Ron OJ Parson
Director
×
Headshot photo of
August Wilson
Playwright
Headshot photo of
Ron OJ Parson
Director
Shaun Motley
Scenic Designer
Yvonne L. Miranda
Costume Designer
Jason Fassl
Lighting Designer
Andre Pluess
Sound Designer
Jonathan Hetler
Casting Director
William Balan-Gaubert
Dialect Coach
Joe Foust
Fight Director
Cristin Carole
Movement and Intimacy Consultant
Amy Bertacini*
Stage Manager (Thru 3/19)
Terence Orleans Alexander*
Stage Manager (3/21-4/2)
Becca Lindsay*
Assistant Stage Manager
Hannah Steele
Stage Management Fellow
William Freeman III
Assistant Director
Laura Braza
Line Producer
×
Shaun Motley
Scenic Designer
Yvonne L. Miranda
Costume Designer
Jason Fassl
Lighting Designer
Andre Pluess
Sound Designer
Jonathan Hetler
Casting Director
William Balan-Gaubert
Dialect Coach
Joe Foust
Fight Director
Cristin Carole
Movement and Intimacy Consultant
Amy Bertacini*
Stage Manager (Thru 3/19)
Terence Orleans Alexander*
Stage Manager (3/21-4/2)
Becca Lindsay*
Assistant Stage Manager
Hannah Steele
Stage Management Fellow
William Freeman III
Assistant Director
Laura Braza
Line Producer

* Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Featured Events

Panel Discussion: Racial Health and Equity of Treatment 
Panel Discussion:
Racial Health and Equity of Treatment 
Wednesday, March 8 • Post Performance 
Join us in conversation featuring medical and public health professionals from the Greater Milwaukee community.
Learn More
Dinner Dialogues Series Announced
Dinner Dialogues Series Announced

What is hubris? How far does hubris play into pursuing one's dreams under societal constraints? How does one create healthy relationships with those centering their individualistic dreams? Join us for this dialogue at Sam's Place Jazz Cafe and hear from guest speaker Ron OJ Parson, the director of Milwaukee Rep’s production of August Wilson’s Seven Guitars, while sharing your thoughts with community members. Space is limited. Register today.

August Wilson’s Seven Guitars Dinner Dialogue
Monday, March 27, 5pm-8pm
Sam's Place Jazz Cafe
3338 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr.

Learn More

Featured News

Five Reasons to See August Wilson's Seven Guitars
Five Reasons to See August Wilson's Seven Guitars
This acclaimed American classic is not to be missed – and here are five top reasons why everyone should see this production, coming to the Quadracci Powerhouse from March 7 – April 2, 2023.
Learn More
Designing August Wilson's Seven Guitars
Designing August Wilson's Seven Guitars
Get a sneak peek at the costume designs for this modern classic by Yvonne L. Miranda and be transported to to Pittsburgh, 1948, where local blues guitarist Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton sits on the edge of stardom.
View Gallery
×