Signature Extends Two Trains Running to Jan. '07

Signature Theatre Company will extend August Wilson's Two Trains Running one additional week since the originally scheduled run is already sold out. 

Directed by Lou Bellamy, the show will begin previews on Tuesday, November 7 with an official press opening on Sunday, December 3.  Performances will now play through Sunday, January 7 at Signature Theatre Company's Peter Norton Space (555 W. 42nd St.).   

The $15 ticket initiative, made possible by the lead sponsorship of Time Warner Inc., only applies to the originally scheduled run, November 7-December 30.  Tickets for the extension week will be $55 (regular price). 

"In 1969 Pittsburgh, the regulars at a popular local diner grind out an existence against the backdrop of a turbulent world and rapidly changing city.   Memphis Lee looks to prevent the demolition of his restaurant in the face of a municipal project while across the street, Mr. West, the local funeral director, has more business than he can handle.  Faced with racial inequality, a depressed economy and the threat of violence, the local residents fight to hang on to their solidarity and sense of community," state press materials.

The cast features Leon Addison Brown (Broadway: On The Waterfront, Prelude to a Kiss), Chad L. Coleman (Force Continuum/Atlantic Theatre Company; North Atlantic/Wooster Group), Frankie Faison ("The Wire," The Thomas Crown Affair), Arthur French (Kinsey, Music of the Heart), Ron Cephas Jones (Satellites/Public Theatre; The Wooden Breeks/MCC), January LaVoy (Joy/Actors' Playhouse; The Piano Lesson/Pittsburgh Public) and Ed Wheeler (Zooman and The Sign/Second Stage; East Texas Hot Links/Public Theatre).

The show has scenic design by Derek McLane; costumes by Mathew J. Lefebvre; lights by Robert Wierzel; and sound by Brett R. Jarvis.

Wilson, who died of liver cancer on October 2nd, 2005, is considered to have been one of the major modern playwrights.  His groundbreaking 10-play chronicle of the African-American experience in the 20th century encompassed Gem of the Ocean, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Fences, Two Trains Running, Jitney, King Hedley II and Radio Golf.   

Visit www.signaturetheatre.org for tickets and more information.