We are heading to Broadway!
Emmy-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson is set to make her long-awaited Broadway debut in a revival of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, alongside comedy icon Cedric the Entertainer. The production, directed by Debbie Allen, is set to premiere in spring 2026 at a Shubert Theatre in New York City, according to PEOPLE.
The powerful drama, part of Wilson’s acclaimed American Century Cycle, tells the story of African Americans journeying toward self-discovery in 1911 Pittsburgh. Henson will take on the role of Bertha Holly, the compassionate and strong-willed matriarch of a boarding house. Cedric will portray Seth Holly, her hardworking husband.
“This is a dream come true,” Henson shared. After nearly three decades in the entertainment industry, the Hidden Figures and Empire star will finally grace the Broadway stage. Cedric, whose last Broadway appearance was in 2008’s American Buffalo, returns to theater with this rich, layered role.
Producer Brian Anthony Moreland, known for his work on The Piano Lesson, called the chance to revisit Wilson’s legacy “a privilege.”
“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is Wilson’s seminal masterpiece — an unflinching exploration of pain, identity, and hope,” Moreland said. “With Debbie Allen’s visionary direction and this extraordinary cast, we are preparing a performance that will resonate deeply and linger in the hearts of all who witness it.”
The original Broadway production of Joe Turner’s Come and Gonepremiered in 1988, featuring standout performances by L. Scott Caldwell, Mel Winkler, and Angela Bassett. The play was last revived on Broadway in 2009, where it received widespread critical acclaim.
Debbie Allen, an Emmy and Golden Globe winner who is also set to receive an honorary Oscar at this year’s Governors Awards, brings her celebrated vision and direction to the new staging.
While Taraji P. Henson has already made her mark behind the scenes as a producer on the Tony-nominated Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, this production will mark her first time starring on Broadway, making it a significant milestone in her storied career.
With powerhouse talent both onstage and behind the scenes, the upcoming revival of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Broadway events of 2026.
