Broadway Revival Opens: August Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” Returns to the Stage

The revival of August Wilson’s play *Joe Turner’s Come and Gone* opened on Saturday, April 25, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City. The production is directed by Debbie Allen, a Golden Globe award recipient, four-time Emmy winner, and 2026 Academy Honorary Award honoree. Lead roles are performed by Taraji P. Henson as Bertha Holly and Cedric “The Entertainer” as Seth Holly.

Gallery: Black Hollywood Celebrates 'Joe Turner’s Come and Gone'

*Joe Turner’s Come and Gone* is the second installment of Wilson’s American Century Cycle, a ten-play series that chronicles the African-American experience in each decade of the twentieth century. The original production premiered at the same theatre in 1988, linking the revival to its historic roots.

See Taraji P. Henson, Cedric the Entertainer & More at Joe Turner’s Come and Gone Opening Night

The principal ensemble includes Ruben Santiago-Hudson as Bynum Walker, Joshua Boone as Herald Loomis, Maya Boyd as Molly Cunningham, Savannah Commodore and Dominique Skye Turner sharing the role of Zonia Loomis, Abigail Onwunali as Martha Loomis, Bradley Stryker as Rutherford Selig, Tripp Taylor as Jeremy Furlow, Christopher Woodley and Jackson Edward Davis sharing Reuben Scott, and Nimene Sierra Wureh as Mattie Campbell. Understudies are Jasmine Batchelor, Rosalyn Coleman, Thomas Michael Hammond, Cayden McCoy, and Kevyn Morrow. Debbie Allen also serves as director, while Brian Moreland is credited as producer.

Photos: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Cast Walks the Red Carpet on Opening NightPhotos: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Cast Takes Opening Night BowsSee Taraji P. Henson, Cedric the Entertainer & More at Joe Turner’s Come and Gone Opening NightGallery: Black Hollywood Celebrates 'Joe Turner’s Come and Gone'

Set in 1911, the drama unfolds in a Pittsburgh boarding house operated by Seth and Bertha Holly, which serves as a refuge for Black travelers navigating the Great Migration. One of the boarders, Herald Loomis, seeks his lost wife and attempts to recover his identity after years of illegal enslavement under the titular character, Joe Turner. The revival includes a full creative team, principal actors, and understudies as listed in the cast.

Gallery: Black Hollywood Celebrates 'Joe Turner’s Come and Gone'

The revival brings Wilson’s enduring legacy back to Broadway, reaffirming the urgent, timeless relevance of his work. By presenting a narrative set in 1911 that follows Black travelers during the Great Migration, the production highlights themes of migration, identity, and community.

Photos: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Cast Takes Opening Night Bows

The opening night attracted a notable presence of Black Hollywood figures. Attendees included LL Cool J and his wife Simone Smith, Tyler Perry, Shonda Rhimes, Meagan Good, Jonathan Majors, Eva Marcille, Kandi Burruss, Tiny Harris, Shamea Morton, Riley Burruss, Maya Boyd, and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Taraji P. Henson arrived in a brown leather dress from Jagne, styled by Kollin Carter, while Cedric “The Entertainer” appeared in a gray double-breasted suit with a wide-brim hat, layered chains, a brooch, and detailed pocket squares.

Gallery: Black Hollywood Celebrates 'Joe Turner’s Come and Gone'

Following the opening, the revival is open to the public, with tickets available through standard Broadway channels. The production is now playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.

See Taraji P. Henson, Cedric the Entertainer & More at Joe Turner’s Come and Gone Opening Night