August Wilson's Seven Guitars Lands at Middletown Arts Center

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Seven Guitars is part of Wilson’s ten-play cycle chronicling the African American experience throughout the 20th century

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The Middletown Arts Center, in conjunction with Dunbar Repertory Company, will present a special production of August Wilson ’s Seven Guitars, directed by Mark Antonio Henderson.

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Set in 1940s Pittsburgh, Seven Guitars follows a blues musician chasing redemption and a second chance as love, ambition, and fate collide in August Wilson ’s powerful portrait of dreams deferred.

Seven Guitars is a play by August Wilson set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1948, centered on the life and struggles of the African American community. The story begins shortly after the funeral of Floyd Barton, a musician whose dreams of success are complicated by hardship and ultimately lead to his tragic fate.

Through present-day scenes and flashbacks, the play reveals Floyd’s relationships—particularly with Vera, his partner, and Hedley, a mystic grappling with illness. The characters engage in deeply human conversations that reflect their realities, exploring themes of community, aspiration, and the impact of systemic oppression.

Seven Guitars is part of Wilson’s ten-play cycle chronicling the African American experience throughout the 20th century. The work explores identity, loss, and the complexity of dreams, standing as a significant piece in American theater.

Dunbar Repertory Company’s production features James Saunders (Canewell), Mike Vails (Red Carter), Dana P. Hawkins (Vera Dotson), Chantal Lentz (Vera Dotson/Understudy), Vivette Alston (Louise), Arthur Gregory Pugh (Hedley), Kirk Lambert (Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton), and Brandi McLeain (Ruby).

Production Stage Manager: Stephanie Schoppe. Assistant Stage Manager: Andrea Jimenez

Performances will take place on Saturday, May 23 at 3 + 8 p.m., Sunday, May 24 at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 30 at 3 + 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 31 at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $22 for general admission. Discounted tickets at $17 are available for the Opening Performance (Saturday, May 23 at 3 p.m.), the Closing Performance (Sunday, May 31 at 4 p.m.), and group sales of 10 or more. Purchase tickets online at the Middletown Arts website or by calling the MAC Box Office at 732.706.4100.

The Middletown Arts Center is located at 36 Church Street in Middletown, NJ (next to the Middletown train station). Free parking is available onsite with additional free parking available in station metered lot on weekday evenings after 6 p.m. and on weekends.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/article/SEVEN-GUITARS-Takes-The-Stage-at-Middletown-Arts-Center-20260523)._