The reign of August Wilson's King Hedley II is ending in Los Angeles Oct. 22, but the production will be moving on next to Chicago for a November run, christening the Goodman Theatre's new Albert Ivar Goodman Theatre space, Nov. 30-Jan. 6, 2001.
Hedley began L.A. performances Sept. 2 with an opening Sept. 14. Marion McClinton, who directed Wilson's Jitney, which played to packed houses at the Taper last season and is presently running Off Broadway, is the director.
A New York City run may follow the Chicago performances, but the Jujamcyns, the interested producers, have announced no further plans at press time.
Continuing his decade-by-decade examination of African American life in the United States, Wilson sets King Hedley II in 1985 in the black ghetto of Pittsburgh and deals with the triumphs and trials of a community torn apart as King Hedley rages against his past and present and his pregnant wife Tonya fears to bring a child into their world. A two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner, Wilson also wrote Fences, The Piano Lesson and Seven Guitars.
Jerome Butler replaces Harry Lennix as King Hedley for the final week of performances. Charles Brown (Elmore), Lou Myers (Stool Pigeon), Juanita Jennings (Rosa), Monte Russell (Mister) and Mone Walton (Tonya) also star. Set design is by David Gallo, costumes by Toni-Leslie James, lighting by Donald Holder and sound design by Rob Milburn. The PSM is Tami Toon.
Mark Taper Forum is located at 135 N. Grand Ave. For tickets and information call (213) 628-2772 or visit www.TaperAhmanson.com. For the deaf community, the information and charge number is TDD (213) 680-4017.
