Taraji P. Henson On 'Joe Turner's Come & Gone' Intermission Announcement
Deadline • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Taraji P. Henson made her Broadway debut last month in the revival of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, playing Bertha Holly at the Barrymore Theatre.
- Henson emphasized the discipline required for live theater, noting the importance of staying in character despite distractions like ringing cell phones.
- She accepted the role partly to work with longtime friend and director Debbie Allen, who had supported her early career and is involved in a planned film adaptation of the play.
- Henson revealed scheduling conflicts had previously prevented her from doing Broadway, but she was motivated by the opportunity to collaborate with Allen and the prospect of the upcoming movie.
- Producer Todd Black, known for films like Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, is involved in producing August Wilson adaptations, including a forthcoming project related to The Piano Lesson.