Broadway.com

"Joe Turner's Come and Gone really does capture that balance beautifully. What makes it so powerful is that the characters are carrying deep pain, displacement, and uncertainty, yet the boardinghouse becomes a place of survival, community, and restoration. Even when the characters are hard on one another, it comes across as a kind of protective “tough love” rooted in shared struggle rather than cruelty. The humor is also part of what makes the play feel so human. Wilson doesn’t present the struggle in a one-dimensional way; he allows laughter, teasing, storytelling, music, and everyday interactions to coexist with grief and longing. That combination makes the characters feel real and relatable. The idea of “not leaving anyone behind” especially comes through in how the residents support people trying to find themselves again, emotionally, spiritually, and socially, after being uprooted by racism, migration, and economic hardship. Characters are literally and spiritually searching for identity and belonging. It’s heartwarming because beneath all the hardship, the play insists on dignity, connection, and hope. "

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Beverly P from Cleveland on May 7, 2026

Amazing

"I enjoyed the whole play; the acting was amazing. The message was a little unclear to me but after awhile, I caught on."

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Broadway.com Customer on May 7, 2026

Excellent

"I thought the show had a great story and thought the actors really gave the story excellent representation. We enjoyed the show from beginning to end."

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CARL D from BLYTHEWOOD on May 7, 2026

Amazing!

"What an amazing story of all facets of life - love, family, race, pain, faith - to name a few. Cedric and Taraji were of course amazing, and so was the entire cast. "

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Roosevelt M from Flower Mound on May 6, 2026

Great Show!!!

"The acting was wonderful and it has a good story line. I would see this play again."

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Cassandra W from Middletown on May 6, 2026

Excellent choice of actors and actress

"The actors and actresses, the stage setting, wardrobes and the story line it left you with something to think about in your own life. How maybe you should change"

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Broadway.com Customer on May 4, 2026

The show was amazing; the message was powerful

"The production was very well done! The actors were amazing and gave a powerful performance. Joshua Boone was absolutely incredible! I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Taraji and Cedric. They made us laugh out loud, and gave us a lot to think about. I highly recommend this play."

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Broadway.com Customer on May 3, 2026

Soul Stirring and Lasting Takeaway Performances

"The spellbinding allure the cast members gave was intriguing. All cast members' performances were top-notch. And the kid performances were enchanting as well. The play touched my soul in many ways. Cedric the Entertainer pulled it off and lots of laughter, Ms. Taraji P. Henson never ceases to amaze me with her infectious talent, Mr. Ruben Santiago-Hudson I recall from 'Lakawanna Blues' years ago, he is an immensed talent, and Mr. Joshua Boone performance is unspeakable. Director Mrs. Debbie Allen reconfirmed her major talents. I believe the Late Mr. August Wilson would be very pleased with the adaptation."

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Erica D from Charlotte on May 2, 2026

Outstanding Revival of Classic August Wilson

"This was a great revival of the August Wilson classic. The cast was outstanding, too to bottom. The timeless themes, powerful performances make Joe Turner a must see!!"

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Darryl B from Chicago on May 1, 2026

Great theatre play !!

"This play was absolutely amazing from the start to finish. Had so much energy from all the members. You laughed cried and we talked about it for hours after it was done. This play is a must see masterpiece you don’t want to miss it "

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Jay W from Cincinnati on May 1, 2026

Finding Moments of Joy Through Pain

"The play depicted how free black people lived way back when, how they supported each other. "

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Linda M from Baltimore on Apr 30, 2026

Awesome show!!!

"I loved the acting and the stage props!!! The actors were awesome and really connected with the audience!!! I laughed and even shed a tear!!! Excellent Play!!!!"

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Tony R from Houston on Apr 30, 2026

A must see show

"What an awesome show, the set and special effects were incredible. The actors were impressive and the characters were dynamic. You laughed, cried and rejoiced. "

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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 30, 2026

Astonishing

"This show was absolutely amazing. The cast did phenomenal. I read up on the play as this was my first time seeing it. But let me tell you, the message was clear without even having to read up on it. Thee great Debbie Allen did PHENOMENAL directing this play and it was breathtaking to see her in the audience. Kudos to all the actors and actresses!! A must see"

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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 29, 2026

Strong hard tears

"August Wilson always delivers! The performance was excellent! The cast selection was phenomenal! The children were awesome! "

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Molly E from Philadelphia on Apr 25, 2026

Ok so here's the thing

"This show and performance the cast put on was absolutely perfect. I was able to help cross some things off of my mom's bucket list. 1.) Go to New York [check] 2.)see a show on Broadway [check] and this show was the perfect show for us to attend, we all enjoyed the overall experience from beginning to end."

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Jarred M from ROSHARON on Apr 24, 2026

A super production of an August Wilson play

"August Wilson’s plays feature characters that are both realistic and individualized, and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is right up there. Bringing the characters to life requires excellent acting, and this production has that at the highest level. The night I was there, the audience was really engaged with the actors, tuning into both the humor and seriousness of the characters. There is not a lot of the kind of action that some people might look for, but the activities are very real-life ones and the conversations are both personal and deep. Highly recommended."

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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 24, 2026

I love love loved it

"It is a great story with some A list actors giving you the best performance ever "

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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 23, 2026

Gems with humor

"The performances were great and the storyline was very relatable. "

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Natasha G from Pickering on Apr 21, 2026

August Wilson Does It Again

"Let me say, the entire cast is superb! Taraji P. Henson is truly an iconic actress of our time. Cedric the Entertainer, absolutely continues to surprise me, with his brilliant performance! Ruben Santiago-Hudson my goodness what a performance! Joshua Boone is a superstar rising, can you say “Tony Award” The show is funny, powerful and thought provoking! One minute you’re laughing out loud, and then you’re trapped in silent thought, and all of a sudden boom, tears find a way to cascade down your cheeks. This is an absolute masterpiece, and Ms.Debbie Allen the director herself, came out , the legend of our lifetime, so beautiful and elegant, this was a rare treat, to see royalty before us. August Wilson is proud! Oh my, before I forget Abigail Onwunali powerful. I can’t give anything away! The entire cast wove , a deeply emotional story set in August of 1911, that will throw you back in time, and you forget it’s 2026! If this production does not garner a Tony nomination, think it robbery before your eyes! Bravo, Bravo, my soul was pleased. "

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Henry W from Rochester on Apr 19, 2026

DEBBIE...PERIOT

"Funny moments, sad moments, unfortunate moments. Wonderful play. Debbie Allen did her thang directoring this play. The cast was all Amazing! A must see, really kept my interest."

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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 19, 2026

Perfection across the board

"I absolutely loved this show. The cast did an amazing job and really brought the story to life. It kept my attention the entire time and had so many powerful moments. Everything from the acting to the set and music was done so well. I would definitely recommend it."

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Cynthia M from Crowley on Apr 18, 2026

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About Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Set in 1911, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone unfolds in a Pittsburgh boarding house run by the steadfast Seth and warm-hearted Bertha Holly. Their home offers refuge to Black travelers navigating the upheaval of the Great Migration. Among them is Herald Loomis, a man on a quest to reunite with his lost wife—and to reclaim the self he was forced to abandon during seven years of forced labor under Joe Turner.

As buried traumas surface and spiritual forces awaken, Loomis’s journey becomes one of profound self-discovery. Around him, others seek connection, direction, and healing from a past marked by pain. Through poetic dialogue and vivid, deeply human characters, Wilson crafts a powerful meditation on identity, resilience, and renewal.

Joe Turner's Come and Gone Reviews

Customer Reviews (203)

About Joe Turner's Come and Gone