Photo: David M. Russell/CBS via Getty
LaTanya Richardson Jacksonis both wife and colleague toSamuel L. Jacksonas the two prepare to open the Broadway revival ofThe Piano Lesson.
The actress and director, 72, is at the helm of the August Wilson play, which stars her husband, 73, alongside actor and former football proJohn David Washington(who is also the son ofDenzel Washington) andThe Color PurplestarDanielle Brooks.
While promoting the show Wednesday ahead of its Sept. 19 Broadway bow, LaTanya discussed working so closely with thePulp FictionOscar nominee and how she’ll even give him some notes on his performance over dinner.
“Let me just say: Do know that when I leave the theater — as late as it is, after they leave — I go home and cook, and then I do the dishes, just so we’re all on that page,” she told PEOPLE during a press conference with the cast.
Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Brooks and John David Washington.Rowena Husbands
“Then, over dinner, of course we discuss what has transpired during the day because I find that sometimes it’s easier to offer suggestions at that time — of what could be, you know,lifted. And maybe we want to look at this a different way. That’s an easier time to do it because that’s the time that we usually spend together.”
“But what do you think?” she then asked Samuel, who simply nodded his head in agreement. Added LaTanya: “Good answer.”
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The Tony Award-nominated actress said that directing Wilson’sThe Piano Lessonhas always been a “life dream,” and because she and Samuel have been married forover 42 years, they can work very well together when in the rehearsal room.
“Because I’ve been with him for 53 years, it becomes a sort of coded situation to talk to him,” she said, adding that Samuel is a “different story” than the rest of the cast members and is “very determined about what he knows.”
“I must agree, he knows a lot — not more than me,” she joked. “So I’m just trying to let him be, but allow me to sort of usher him, in a certain way, along. And he’s been very good about that —vocal, but at least he’ll do it.”
Yet again, her husband simply agreed, saying: “Sort of what she said.”
“So it’s kind of interesting to come back in this way and to be Doaker and to listen to John David create Boy Willie,” he added. “I’m looking forward to audiences being there.”
For more information and tickets, visitPianoLessonPlay.com.
source: people.com
