Lackawanna Blues is an American play written by Ruben Santiago-Hudson that premiered in 2001. It was later adapted as a television movie that aired in 2005. The play dramatizes the character of the author’s primary caregiver when he was growing up in Lackawanna, New York, during the 1950s and 1960s.
Written, Performed and Director by Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson returns to MTC for the Broadway debut of his brilliant solo play celebrating the strong, big-hearted woman who raised him: Miss Rachel. In a 1950s boarding house outside Buffalo, Nanny, as she was affectionately called, opened her doors to anyone and everyone in need of kindness, hope, compassion and care. Giving a tour-de-force performance accompanied by live music written by acclaimed composer Bill Sims, Jr. and performed by Blues Hall of Fame Guitarist Junior Mack, Santiago-Hudson embodies more than 20 vibrant characters, creating a richly textured reminiscence that’s inspiring, uplifting and right at home on Broadway.
Lackawanna Blues
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre Broadway
First Preview 14, Sept 2021
Opening Night Sept 28 2021 Closed Nov 12, 2021
After 18 Previews and 27 Performances
Get Tickets Here
Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Ruben Santiago-Hudson (born Ruben Santiago Jr., November 24, 1956) is an American actor, playwright, and director who has won national awards for his work in all three categories. He is best known for his role of Captain Roy Montgomery from 2009 to 2011 on ABC’s Castle. In November 2011 he appeared on Broadway in Lydia R. Diamond’s play Stick Fly.In 2013 he starred in the TV series Low Winter Sun, a police drama set in Detroit.
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (formerly the Biltmore Theatre) is a Broadway theatre located at 261 West 47th Street in midtown-Manhattan.Designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp for impresario Irwin Chanin, it opened on December 7, 1925 with the play Easy Come Easy Go. With a seating capacity of 903, it was one of Broadway’s smaller venues. The theatre was used by Federal Theatre’s Living Newspaper project in the 1930s. CBS leased it for use as a radio and television studio from 1952 until 1961.
In 1968, the groundbreaking rock musical Hair opened at the theatre.In 1987, a fire struck the Biltmore. The blaze, which was later determined to be an act of arson, destroyed the interior. After the fire, the building sat vacant for fourteen years, suffering more structural damage from water and vandals. The theatre’s ownership changed hands several times between 1987 and 2001, but most plans proposed for its future use – such as a showcase for “Best of Broadway” revues – were rejected since its New York City landmark designation required it to operate only as a legitimate Broadway house if renovated.
| Address |
| 261 W 47th St (between Broadway St & 8th Ave) New York, NY 10036 |
| Transport |
| Subway: C, E to 50th St; N, R to 49th St; 1 to 50th St |
| Phone |
| (212) 399-3000 |
| Box Office |
| Monday Noon – 6pm Tues – Saturday : Noon – Curtain Time pm Sunday 10am – 600pm |
| Access Information |
| MTC’s Friedman Theatre is accessible to people with disabilities and is equipped with a hearing augmentation system |
| Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located on the lower and mezzanine levels. Elevators and escalators are available to all levels. |
| The Friedman Theatre seats 650. Seating is on Orchestra, Premier Circle and Mezzanine levels. |
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