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Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer Shine in Broadway's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" | Colbert's 'Kids Pitch' Creates 'Evening Island' Late-Night Show | Erin Murphy Reveals Details About Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York's Relationship After 'Bewitched' | Kevin McEnroe Forgives Tatum O'Neal in 'Dear Tatum' Essay | Eric Church: Nashville Roots, Super Bowl Unity, and Brother's Impact | 'R.J. Decker' Starring Scott Speedman Renewed for Season 2 by ABC | Johnny Depp's Transformation as Scrooge: A Holiday Comeback | Action Franchises Clash: 'Creed' Dethrones 'Predator' in Streaming Wars | Olivia Munn's Inspiring Comeback After Cancer | Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer Shine in Broadway's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" | Colbert's 'Kids Pitch' Creates 'Evening Island' Late-Night Show | Erin Murphy Reveals Details About Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York's Relationship After 'Bewitched' | Kevin McEnroe Forgives Tatum O'Neal in 'Dear Tatum' Essay | Eric Church: Nashville Roots, Super Bowl Unity, and Brother's Impact | 'R.J. Decker' Starring Scott Speedman Renewed for Season 2 by ABC | Johnny Depp's Transformation as Scrooge: A Holiday Comeback | Action Franchises Clash: 'Creed' Dethrones 'Predator' in Streaming Wars | Olivia Munn's Inspiring Comeback After Cancer

Entertainment / Theater

Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer Shine in Broadway's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone"

Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer are currently captivating audiences in the Broadway revival of August Wilson's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone." The play, directed by Debbie Allen, delves into themes of identity, displacement, and t...

Taraji P Henson: ‘It’s exhausting to have to fight for my worth’
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Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer Shine in Broadway's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" Image via The Guardian

Key Insights

  • **Taraji P. Henson's Broadway Debut:** Henson stars as Bertha Holly, the matriarch of a boarding house, marking a significant return to her theater roots. Why this matters: Henson's performance has been lauded for its emotional depth and improvisational skill, reaffirming her versatility as an actress.
  • **Themes of Displacement and Identity:** The play explores the struggles of Black migrants seeking identity and stability in the early 20th century. Why this matters: These themes resonate strongly today, highlighting ongoing issues of displacement and the search for belonging.
  • **Black Spirituality and Cultural Expression:** "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" incorporates elements of Black spirituality, including Hoodoo and Christianity, offering a nuanced portrayal of African-American faith. Why this matters: This representation contributes to a broader understanding of Black cultural identity and spiritual practices in mainstream media.
  • **Cedric the Entertainer's Dramatic Role:** Cedric the Entertainer plays Seth Holly, the owner of the boarding house, showcasing his talent beyond comedy. Why this matters: Cedric's performance adds depth to the production, demonstrating his range as a performer and engaging audiences in a new light.

In-Depth Analysis

### Background "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," part of August Wilson's Century Cycle, is set in 1911 Pittsburgh and follows the lives of individuals at a boarding house during the Great Migration. The play explores themes of displacement, identity, and the search for spiritual grounding.

### Henson's Performance Henson's portrayal of Bertha Holly has been praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. She embodies the character's strength and compassion, providing a moral compass for the other residents of the boarding house. According to Henson, the play's central message is the importance of finding one's purpose and connecting with the Creator.

### Cedric the Entertainer's Role Cedric the Entertainer, known for his comedic roles, takes on the character of Seth Holly. His performance adds complexity to the play, highlighting the challenges and aspirations of Black individuals during this transformative period in American history. In an interview on TODAY, Cedric discussed the play's resonance in today’s cultural climate and shared his passion for comedy.

### Revival and Historical Context The current revival, directed by Debbie Allen, is staged at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where the play originally premiered in 1988. The original cast included notable actors such as Delroy Lindo and Angela Bassett. This production builds on the legacy of previous revivals, including the 2009 production at the Belasco Theatre.

### Photos and Production Production photos from the revival showcase the cast in their roles, providing a glimpse into the visual elements of the play. The creative team includes costume designer Paul Tazewell, scenic designer David Gallo, lighting designers Stacey Derosier and Justin Ellington, and hairstylist Mia Neal, ensuring a visually stunning and historically accurate representation of the era.

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FAQ

- **Q: What is "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" about?

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- **Q: Who are the main actors in the current revival?

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- **Q: Who directed the current revival?

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- **Q: Where is the play being staged?

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Takeaways

  • Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer deliver compelling performances in "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."
  • The play explores themes of identity, displacement, and the importance of finding one's purpose.
  • Debbie Allen's direction brings a fresh perspective to August Wilson's classic work.
  • The revival highlights the ongoing relevance of the play's themes in contemporary society.

Discussion

What are your thoughts on the themes explored in "Joe Turner's Come and Gone?" Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend! Sources: - The Guardian Article - Playbill Production Photos - TODAY Interview with Cedric the Entertainer Do you think this trend will last? Let us know! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

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