August in Winter. August Wilson, that is. One of the most prolific playwrights of the late 20th century, who profiled the African-American experience, will have two different works onstage at two different theatres. West Springfield’s Majestic Theater takes on his Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner, “Fences,” Feb. 27-April 6, which is one of the plays in Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle. “Two Trains Running,” also part of the Pittsburgh Cycle, runs at Hartford Stage, Jan. 23-Feb. 16. Wilson has often been called the “theatre’s poet of Black America”, and his riveting dramas have been hits on stage and screen. Many of them premiered at The Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven. For details on Fences: www.majestictheater.com. For details on “Two Trains Running“: www.hartfordstage.org.
King James, Rajiv Joseph’s acclaimed play about two men, one who has tickets to the Cleveland Cavaliers game, and one who wants to buy them during LeBron James’ first season. It’s a deep dive into the world of sports and the friendships amongst sports fans. TheaterWorks Hartford presents the area premiere, Jan. 30-March 2. Rob Ruggiero directs this celebration of friendship and fandom. For details: www.twhartford.org.
