August Wilson's Fences

Troy Maxson, a former star of the Negro baseball leagues, now works as a garbage man in 1957 Pittsburgh. Excluded from the major leagues in his prime, Troy has grown increasingly bitter, and his anger and frustration take a toll on his wife Rose and his son Cory, who now wants his own chance to play ball professionally. James Earl Jones and Mary Alice co-starred in the original Broadway production of Wilson’s sensational drama, and a 2010 Broadway revival starred Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.

After premiering at Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut in April 1985, Fences opened on Broadway at the 46th Street Theatre on March 26, 1987. Directed by Lloyd Richards, the production starred James Earl Jones, Mary Alice and Courtney B. Vance. In 2010, the play returned to Broadway, directed by Kenny Leon and starring Denzel Washington, Viola Davis and Chris Chalk.