Someone has to explain this to me, slowly.
One of the highlights of the past Broadway season was La Tanya Richardson Jackson’s production of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson.” She directed it and it was superb. A plus. Everyone involved deserves Tony nominations.
“The Piano Lesson” starred John David Washington, Samuel Jackson, and Danielle Brooks in a most amazing performance, a stage turn for the ages.
So now comes word of the movie. LaTanya is out, and so is Brooks? Huh? Malcolm Washington, Denzel’s other son, will make his directorial debut. Another Danielle — Deadwyler, the star of “Till” — will take Brooks’s place. I really like Deadwyler, but she’s wrong for the part and the wrong Danielle, I’m afraid.
How do these things happen? It’s the mystery of Hollywood. I hope the Broadway production was taped for posterity. LaTanya did a great job. She should be back on Broadway again soon, I hope. She should have done the movie.
