Vineyard Theatre's world premiere of Lessons in Survival: 1971 closes June 30 after beginning previews May 31. The show officially opened June 9 at the Off-Broadway venue.
Directed by Tyler Thomas, Lessons in Survival: 1971 stars Emmy nominee Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Crystal Dickinson as James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni, respectively. The play is set in 1971 when young poet Nikki Giovanni interviewed James Baldwin on America's first "Black Tonight Show," Soul.
Clemons-Hopkins is best known for starring as Marcus in HBO's Hacks. His stage credits include portraying Aaron Burr and George Washington in the Chicago production of Hamilton. His counterpart, Dickinson, has starred on the Broadway stage in Clybourne Park and You Can't Take It With You with on-screen experiences including This Is Where I Leave You and The Good Wife.
The design team includes You-Shin Chen as scenic designer, Mika Eubanks as costume designer, Amith Chadrashaker as lighting designer, Lee Kinney and Daniel Kluger as sound designers, Kluger as composer, and Matthew Glasner as casting director.
The show is co-conceived by Marin Ireland, Peter Mark Kendall, Tyler Thomas, and Reggie D. White, and created with The Commissary.
