Running Time: 90 minutes with no intermission.
The New York Times
‘Lackawanna Blues’ Review: A Soulful Master Class in Storytelling
CRITIC’S PICK
“A SOULFUL MASTER CLASS IN STORYTELLING.”
– Maya Phillips, The New York Times
“THEATRICAL MAGIC!
Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s vibrantly virtuosic performance gleams like a newly minted coin.”
– Charles Isherwood, Broadway News
“A GIFT TO BROADWAY! Ruben Santiago-Hudson gives a tour-de-force performance.”
– Audrey J. Bernard, The New York Beacon
“A MUST-GO! IT’S A BLAST!”
– Linda Armstrong, New York Amsterdam News
“Deeply felt, poignant & full of rich down-home flavor.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s performance is VIRTUOSIC.
I recommend you see it right away!”
Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal
ABOUT
Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson returns to MTC for the Broadway debut of his brilliant solo play celebrating the strong, big-hearted woman who raised him: Miss Rachel. In a 1950s boarding house outside Buffalo, Nanny, as she was affectionately called, opened her doors to anyone and everyone in need of kindness, hope, compassion and care. Giving a tour-de-force performance accompanied by live music written by acclaimed composer Bill Sims, Jr. and performed by Blues Hall of Fame Guitarist Junior Mack, Santiago-Hudson embodies more than 20 vibrant characters, creating a richly textured reminiscence that’s inspiring, uplifting and right at home on Broadway.
Final performance was November 12, 2021
at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
“Enthralls! Santiago-Hudson conjures multitudes with his rich memory and malleable voice.”
– Los Angeles Times
General Info
Join MTC
30 under 35
group sales
students
Click here for a seating chart. The Friedman Theatre seats 650. Seating is on Orchestra, Premier Circle and Mezzanine levels—all seating accessible by elevator. For more information on accessibility, please click here.
Manhattan Theatre Club produces a wide range of theatre both on and off-Broadway. In a history spanning almost 50 years, they have won 27 Tony Awards, 7 Pulitzer Prizes, and developed into one of the country’s most acclaimed theatres.
If you intend to see three or more MTC productions in the coming year, you can join MTC and add this show to your package now. MTC Subscribers save up to 40% off the cost of individual tickets, receive priority seating, early access to tickets, and no-risk flexibility to exchange tickets for a different performance date free of charge, for any reason.
You can also upgrade to MTC’s Patron Program to receive the best seats in the house and a multitude of other benefits, starting at $3,000.
A night out in NYC can break the bank, but as a member of our 30 Under 35 program, you’ll get a full evening of entertainment for only $30! You can buy a pair of $30 tickets for you and a friend to every Manhattan Theatre Club show. Plus, you’ll be invited to exclusive post-show parties where you’ll enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres while mingling with other 30 Under 35 members. And the best part… it’s free and easy to join!
SIGN UP TODAY AND BE FIRST TO KNOW WHEN TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE
Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, please visit Broadwayinbound.com or call (866) 302-0995.
Student tickets are available at the box office on the day of the show when the box office opens. Tickets are $30 (including all fees), payable by cash or credit card, and are available to students with an ID from a degree or diploma granting institution. Tickets are subject to availability and are limited to two per valid ID. Note that students aged 30 or under may prefer to purchase their tickets through the 30 Under 30 program instead – see above.
Cast
Junior Mack
Guitarist
A self-taught blues-rock musician and soulful vocalist, Junior Mack has been playing guitar since 1968.
Influenced by countless blues, rock and gospel musicians and singers, he’s combined years of listening and learning into one unique style. Aside from his own band (The Junior Mack Band) and solo efforts, he’s currently the front man for Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band and a founding member of the Grammy Nominated Heritage Blues Orchestra.
His style of music has been enthusiastically received by audiences within the United States, Europe and as far away as India.
Junior has sat in or worked with numerous artists including The Allman Brothers Band, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, The Marshall Tucker Band, Honeyboy Edwards and Cyndi Lauper among others.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Writer, Director and Performer
RUBEN SANTIAGO-HUDSON (Writer, Director, Performer). Tony, Drama Desk, and Obie Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson is the director of the recent Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of August Wilson’s Jitney which garnered several awards including the Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Drama League, and the NY Drama Critics Circle Awards, along with six Tony nominations. Mr. Santiago-Hudson won a Tony Award as featured actor for his performance in August Wilson’s Seven Guitars and later went on to direct the play himself to critical acclaim. Other directing credits include: The Piano Lesson, Skeleton Crew, Othello, Gem of The Ocean, Paradise Blue, My Children! My Africa!, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Cabin in the Sky, The Happiest Song Plays Last, Two Trains Running, Things of Dry Hours, The First Breeze Of Summer, and Your Blues Ain’t Sweet Like Mine, among many others. He made his Broadway acting debut alongside Gregory Hines in Jelly’s Last Jam. Other Broadway credits include Stick Fly and Gem of The Ocean. The multi-award winning director and actor most recently adapted August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom for producer Denzel Washington and NETFLIX starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman. Ruben wrote, executive produced, and co-starred in the HBO film Lackawanna Blues based on his OBIE Award-winning play. The movie received several honors including Emmy, Golden Globe, NAACP Image Award, Humanitas, National Board of Reviews, Black Filmmaker’s Foundation and Christopher Awards. Recently, Ruben co-starred in BET’s drama The Quad and played the role of Captain Roy Montgomery on the hit show Castle for three seasons on ABC. Ruben currently co-stars in Tarell Alvin McCraney’s new series David Makes Man for Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. Ruben has been seen in over three dozen movies. Among his favorites are Lackawanna Blues, American Gangster, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Coming to America, Forgotten Genius, and The Devil’s Advocate. Ruben earned his MFA in acting from The Hillberry Classical Repertory Theater at Wayne State University, his BA in theatre from Binghamton University, and he also holds Honorary Doctorate degrees from both Wayne State University and Buffalo State College. In a career that spans over four decades, Ruben considers opening The Ruben Santiago-Hudson Fine Arts Learning Center in 2014 in his hometown of Lackawanna, NY as one of his proudest and most cherished accomplishments.
Junior Mack
Guitarist
Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Writer, Director and Performer
Creative
Karen Perry
Costume Design
KAREN PERRY (Costume Design). Broadway: Lackawanna Blues. Off-Broadway: runboyrun; In Old Age; The Brother/Sister Trilogy; The Happiest Song Plays Last; stop. reset.; The Piano Lesson; My Children! My Africa!; Cabin in the Sky; First Breeze of Summer; Seven Guitars; Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk. Regional: Fords (My Lord What a Night); LJP/BCS (The Garden; Fun Home; Skeleton Crew; School Girls…; We All Fall Down; Breath, Boom; A Lion in Winter); Familiar; Trip to Bountiful; Wild With Happy; Having Our Say; Stick Fly; Radio Golf; OooBlaDee; Love in Hate Nation; Your Blues Ain’t Sweet Like Mine; Steel Magnolias; Hair; Dreamgirls. Dance/ballet: Oklahoma! (Houston Ballet, Theatre Under the Stars); Cinderella (Eglevsky Ballet Company). Awards and nomination: 2020 Antonya Award, two LA Ovation Awards, Lucille Lortel Award, three NAACP Awards, CDG Award, Hewitt Award, Cable Ace Award, Emmy nomination, NBTF Lifetime Design Award, nine AUDELCO Awards.
Michael Carnahan
Scenic Design
MICHAEL CARNAHAN (Scenic Design) is grateful to be designing Lackawanna Blues for Broadway after a two-decade creative partnership with Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Recent: The Hot Wing King (Signature Theatre, Pulitzer Prize for Drama); Skeleton Crew (Atlantic Theater Company, Manhattan Theatre Club); I and You (59E59); The Happiest Song Plays Last (Second Stage); The Piano Lesson, The First Breeze of Summer (Signature Theatre). International: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Billy Elliot the Musical (Atelier de Cultura, Sao Paulo, Brazil). Tours: Cheers Live on Stage, A Christmas Story the Musical. Regional: Apollo Theater, Arena Stage, American Conservatory Theater, the Kennedy Center, McCarter Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Baltimore Center Stage, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Pasadena Playhouse, Two River Theater. Michael lives in Brooklyn with his dog, Beau. michaelcarnahandesign.com. IG: Carnypics. Twitter: @mike_carnahan.
Mandisa Reed
Stage Manager
MANDISA REED (Stage Manager) is grateful to be making her Broadway debut with Lackawanna Blues. Regional credits include Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Diana, The Garden and At the Old Place. Touring: Jitney Broadway national tour. Film: 12 Angry Men…and Women: The Weight of the Wait. Proud HBCU graduate of Dillard University(BA). MFA from UC San Diego.
Kamra A. Jacobs
Production Stage Manager
KAMRA A. JACOBS (Production Stage Manager) (she/her) is extremely grateful to be making her Broadway production stage manager debut. Broadway: American Son and Children of a Lesser God. Tour: first Broadway national tour of August Wilson’s Jitney. The Public: shadow/land and Much Ado About Nothing. International: The Bitter Game (Dublin Theater Festival). Regional: Last Tiger in Haiti. Film: Netflix (American Son) and Apple TV (12 Angry Men…and Women: The Weight of the Wait). Education: MFA, UC San Diego. This one is dedicated to Mozell Jacobs (Myrtle).
Kate Wilson
Vocal Coach
KATE WILSON (Vocal Coach). Broadway: The Lehman Trilogy, Moulin Rouge!, West Side Story, A Soldier’s Play, To Kill a Mockingbird, Beetlejuice, Burn This, All My Sons, Gary, Network, True West, The Cher Show, American Son, Waverly Gallery, Carousel, Iceman Cometh, Lobby Hero, Sweat, Fully Committed, Crucible, Bright Star, Elephant Man, Stick Fly. Film/TV: Women Talking; Macbeth; “Dopesick”; “Outer Range”; “Tokyo Vice”; “Mrs. America”; Lady Bird; Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; Little Women; “Olive Kitteridge”; Inside Llewyn Davis; Carol. Faculty: Juilliard.
Gabriel Vega Weissman
Associate Director
GABRIEL VEGA WEISSMAN (Associate Director). A Brooklyn-based director and playwright, this is Gabriel’s sixth show on Broadway. He is thrilled to be working alongside his mentor on such a special and personal play. Recently, he directed Tituss Burgess’ Carnegie Hall debut, worked as an educator at Juilliard and Rutgers University, and spent the winter curing ballots in southern Georgia for the historic Senate run-off election. He is proud father to Caleb. En memoria de nuestra querida prima Nilda. gabrielvegaweissman.com
Darron L West
Sound Design
DARRON L WEST (Sound Design) is a Tony and Obie Award-winning sound designer whose 30-year career spans theatre and dance, on Broadway and off Broadway. His work has been heard in over 650 productions all over the United States and internationally in 17 countries. Additional honors include the Drama Desk, Lortel, AUDELCO and Princess Grace Foundation Statue Awards, among many others. Most recently, he co-directed and designed Three Sisters for the Singapore International Festival of Arts.
Jen Schriever
Lighting Design
JEN SCHRIEVER (Lighting Design). Broadway: Grand Horizons, What the Constitution Means to Me, The Lifespan of a Fact, Eclipsed, Ghetto Klown. Off-Broadway: Dan Cody’s Yacht, In the Body of the World (MTC); Power Strip (LCT3); A Strange Loop (Playwrights Horizons); Superhero (Second Stage); Thom Pain, Night Is a Room (Signature); Collective Rage, School Girls… (MCC); Usual Girls, Bobbie Clearly, On the Exhale (Roundabout); The Amateurs (Vineyard); Strange Interlude (Transport Group); The Moors (Playwrights Realm); Eclipsed, ToasT, A Second Chance (The Public). Opera: Die Fledermaus, Pearl Fishers (Metropolitan Opera); Faust, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, La traviata (Mariinsky, Russia). Mom: Henry. jenschriever.com
Bill Sims Jr.
Original Music
Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Bill Sims, Jr. was an internationally respected “Master of the Blues” inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2012. An accomplished composer and music director, Bill lent his talents to many theatre and film productions. He won an Obie Award for his original music in Lackawanna Blues (2001), as well as a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Musical Score (2019) and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music in a Play (2017) for the Tony Award-winning revival of August Wilson’s, Jitney. Mr. Sims was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Blues Album (2012) for And Still I Rise with the Heritage Blues Orchestra. Additional theatre credits include Paradise Blue, The First Breeze of Summer, The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars—Signature Theatre; Your Blues Ain’t Sweet Like Mine, Two Trains Running, Jitney, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom—Two River Theatre; Things of Dry Hours—New York Theatre Workshop; Gem of the Ocean, Polk County—McCarter Theatre; August Wilson’s American Century Cycle, Their Eyes Were Watching God—WNYC at The Greene Space; Crowns—Intiman Theatre; Trick the Devil—Freedom Theatre. Mr. Sims was also the subject of the critically acclaimed PBS documentary An American Love Story. Other film credits include Lackawanna Blues, New York Stories, Miss Ruby’s House, American Gangster, and Cadillac Records.
Karen Perry
Costume Design
Michael Carnahan
Scenic Design
Mandisa Reed
Stage Manager
Kamra A. Jacobs
Production Stage Manager
Kate Wilson
Vocal Coach
Gabriel Vega Weissman
Associate Director
Darron L West
Sound Design
Jen Schriever
Lighting Design
Bill Sims Jr.
Original Music