Most of us that are of a certain age, hear the word
“Jitney” and it harkens back to a time when African Americans
had a lot of businesses, unlicensed, designed to serve their
community. The definition of a Jitney is “an unlicensed
taxi cab.” Such is the setting for August Wilson’s hilarious
play coming to Los Angeles from Nov. 22 to Dec. 29 2019.
The 2 ½ hour play follows a group of men trying to get by
in life by driving Jitneys in 1970’s Pittsburgh. Wilson, being
the only playwright in history to have all 10 of his plays
produced on Broadway, Jitney enjoyed his shortest run,
opening in January of 2017 and closing in March.
On a recent trip to Washington DC, I had the privilege
of seeing the production at the Arena Stage. Directed by
Wilson specialist Ruben Santiago Hudson, this current cast,
on a national tour, is first rate. Hudson describes it as “2 love
stories clashing.” I found it poignant and certainly hilarious
and have told anyone in the area that the Mark Taper Forum
has a gem of a production that is truly a must see this holiday season.
Mark Taper Forum
135 N Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tickets: centertheatregroup.org
Price from $50 to $125
Leave a comment