August Wilson's Jitney, which began subscription previews Jan. 23 at the Mark Taper Forum, will open Feb. 3. The show's six-week run is scheduled to close March. 19.

Directed by Marion McClinton, the cast includes (in alphabetic order), Willis Burks II, Paul Butler, Anthony Chisholm, Leo V. Finnie III, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Barry Shabaka Henly, Russell Hornsby, Carl Lumbly and Nichole Briana White.

Jitney is produced by Mark Taper Forum and Second Stage Theatre in association with Sageworks, and is expected to transfer to New York. The creative team comprises set designer David Gallo, costume designer Susan Hilferty, lighting designer Donald Holder and sound designer Rob Milburn. Narda Alcott is the production stage manager.

The first play written by Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Wilson, Jitney offers a look into 1970s Pittsburgh and the lives of a group of black men scraping out a living in a gypsy cab company (or jitney station). The play's central character (Charles Becker) is the owner of the unlicensed company who must deal with the city's plan to board up his business. He's also thrown by his son's return after 20 years in prison.

Mark Taper Forum is located at 135 N. Grand Ave. For tickets and information call (213) 628-2772 or visit www.TaperAhmanson.com -- By Murdoch McBride -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent