Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer to Star in August Wilson’s JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE on Broadway

Hollywood star Taraji P. Henson is officially heading to Broadway for the first time, joining comedy legend Cedric the Entertainer in a new revival of August Wilson’s acclaimed play JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE. The production will be directed by the iconic Debbie Allen and staged at New York’s Barrymore Theatre beginning March 30, 2026, with opening night set for April 25, 2026.

The play, part of Wilson’s famous Pittsburgh Cycle, is a deeply moving portrait of African American life in 1911. Set in a boarding house run by Seth and Bertha Holly, the story follows Herald Loomis, a man searching for his wife and his sense of identity after years of enslavement under the notorious Joe Turner. Through themes of freedom, spirituality and self-discovery, the play captures the resilience and complexity of Black life during the Great Migration.

Taraji P. Henson, known for her award-winning performances in Empire, Hidden Figures and The Color Purple, expressed her excitement about returning to the stage. “I’m headed back to Broadway, y’all, and I want my people there first,” she wrote on Instagram, inviting fans to grab pre-sale tickets using the code “TARAJI.”

Cedric the Entertainer, who will star alongside Henson, makes his first Broadway appearance in over a decade. Both actors bring a powerful blend of dramatic depth and charisma that promises to breathe new energy into Wilson’s timeless work.

Under the direction of Debbie Allen, a seasoned choreographer, director and producer, the production is expected to merge classic theatre artistry with vibrant storytelling. Allen’s involvement also underscores the revival’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Black theatrical heritage.

The play’s limited run is scheduled to continue through July 12, 2026, with early access tickets available through Telecharge.com from November 5–10, 2025.

JOE TURNER’S COME and GONE first premiered in 1984 and opened on Broadway in 1988, later earning a Tony nomination for Best Play. This revival not only marks a milestone for Henson and Cedric but also reignites a vital piece of African American literature for a new generation.

As Taraji P. Henson noted, “This play is important. It’s legacy. It’s us.”