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BASSETT AND FISHBURNE TOGETHER AGAIN: Cinematic duo to star in revival of August Wilson’s ‘Fences’ in Pasadena, CA.
*Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne are well on their way to becoming the modern day African American version of Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy (minus the secret romance of course).
While Hepburn and Tracy filmed nine movies together in a span of 25 years, Bassett and Fishburne have just signed on to star in their fourth joint project – a revival of August Wilson’s acclaimed drama “Fences” at California’s Pasadena Playhouse (39 South El Molino Ave).
"I spoke with Angela about playing Rose (Troy Maxson's wife) and she was quite intrigued by the idea,” Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps told Playbill Online. “We spoke about actors who could fill the immense shoes that are Troy Maxson - one name came to mind for both of us and it was Laurence Fishburne. After seeing Laurence's towering performance in “Without Walls” at the Mark Taper Forum I went backstage to congratulate him and asked him if he would join us to bring August's most profound play back to the stage."
The revival is slated to begin previews Aug. 25 and open Sept. 1 for a run currently scheduled through Oct. 1.
"This is our way of honoring August - and also the brilliant Lloyd Richards, the director who helped create many of his plays," Epps said. Both playwright Wilson and his constant collaborator Richards passed away in the last year.
“Fences” will follow-up the appearances of Bassett and Fishburne in this year’s film “Akeelah and the Bee,” 1993’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It” as Ike and Tina Turner and 1991’s “Boyz n the Hood” as the divorced parents of lead character Tre Styles.
Fishburne’s theater resume includes a Tony Award for August Wilson's “Two Trains Running” and recent a recent Broadway turn in “The Lion in Winter.” Bassett has appeared in the original Broadway staging of “Joe Turner's Come and Gone” and in “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.”
Tickets to Fences at the Pasadena Playhouse are available by calling (626) 356-PLAY. For more information, visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.
