August Wilson’s: Joe Turner’s COME and GONE on BROADWAY

There are very few things I dislike about living in Virginia. One of them is being unable to get to BROADWAY as much as I would like due to distance and travel timing, especially with my work schedule. But there are a few Plays and Musicals I will travel for no matter what I have to do. So recently, I traveled from Virginia Beach, to NYC by bus to catch a Play on BROADWAY. I usually stay at my house but I wanted to treat myself to an overnight hotel experience in Time Square while I act like a Tourist. Why Not!

   

April, 1st, 2026, First things First – More times than not, when I touch down in my Hometown, NYC, It’s a Must that I stop at my favorite Diner, TICK TOCK! Seen Pedro, who has been there for 29yrs! He Always takes care of me. I get my usual, then be on my way.

I arrived at the OYO Hotel (157 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036), did an Early Check-In so I could shower and get ‘Cute’ for my Solo Date, Matinee, BROADWAY show. But first, I had to grab a quick meal and a (few) drinks, at BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP which is in the Heart of TIME SQUARE!

AUGUST WILSON’S: JOE TURNER’s COME AND GONE

August Wilson’s: Joe Turner’s COME AND GONE Opened on BROADWAY at the ETHEL BARRYMORE THEATRE, on March, 30th 2026 and will have its run through July, 26 2026. It stars, Taraji P. Henson, Cedric The Entertainer, Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Joshua Boone. Directed by the Legendary, The Honorable, Goddess To Me, Debbie Allen. I LOVE HER SO MUCH! Also, Produced by, Kandi Buress (and Brian Anthony Moreland is Lead Producer).

I was happy to be able to get my ticket as soon as they went on sale in March (2026) because it was a SOLD OUT, 2pm Show on a Wednesday! I arrived at the Theatre 30 mins before doors opened so I would be able to get inside, hit the concession stand and buy my merch in advance before heading to my seat which was in the Balcony.

To our surprise, minutes before the play began, Ms. Debbie Allen came and shook hands and waved to us in the audience before being seated a few rows in front of me. This added so much to this experience for me.

Joe Turner’s COME AND GONE takes place in 1911 inside a Boarding house in Pittsburg, ran by Bertha and Seth Holly. There are a few people living there with personal life struggles. Bynum who is like a Spiritual Healer. There is a white peddler and a woman who is heartbroken by the man she loves. They tap into their ups and downs and then walks in Loomis with his daughter. He shakes and rattles the boarding house as he is in search of his wife after being stolen and forced into labor work. He doesn’t give off good vibes and is in search of the years he lost. Somehow things work out in the end but there is so much mess in between and “Life” lessons that have to be sorted out.

This play was so good and if you are not familiar with Joe Turner’s, COME AND GONE by August Wilson, a play written in 1986, I highly recommend reading it before seeing this stage play. One of the messages I drew from the play is we have to accept the things we cannot change and work through the bumps in the road and if we stay grounded and true to who we are and work with what we have as well as, believe all things will work in our favor if we have faith, we will not fear what’s to come of our lives.

 

One of my favorite things about seeing a Live play on BROADWAY is when the actors come out of the side door to greet, take pictures and sign autographs on PLAYBILLS. Although the entire cast did not come out, Joshua Boone came out in his NSU cap and I told him my daughter currently attends the HBCU. Cedric the Entertainer also came out and it was cool seeing the kids who were in the play also get to have their “STAR” Moment of signing autographs for fans. It’s always dope to come out in 10 years to see young actors you’ve seen when they first started on BROADWAY.

I really hope you get out to NYCs BROADWAY District soon but also SUPPORT Off-Broadway plays and Musicals as well. The more we show up the more they stay for longer runs. It also helps the actors and performers to keep a job. You don’t always have to get tickets in advance. You can go to the TKTS box office which is located on 47th Street in Time Square, (Under the TikTok Famous, Red Steps). You are able to purchase Same Day shows or Next Day Matinee shows for 50% off.

Thank You for Reading and as Always,

SPREAD LOVE, ITS THE BKLYNTYE WAY!