05/05/10

Branford Marsalis Nominated for Two Awards for Fences Score

Saxophonist’s score for August Wilson’s classic play “Fences” is nominated for Tony and Drama Desk awards

By Lee Mergner

Branford Marsalis’ music for the current Broadway production of August Wilson’s play “Fences” has been nominated for two awards: A Tony Award in the category of “Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre” and a Drama Desk Award in the category of “Outstanding Music in a Play.” The production starring Denzel Washington in the role of Troy Maxson was nominated for several other awards and has been getting rave reviews throughout its run at the Cort Theatre in New York City. The play is about a former Negro Leagues baseball player who struggles to deal with his family’s future and his own past. Over the years, many notable actors have starred in productions of “Fences,” including James Earl Jones and Yaphet Kotto. Wilson won a Pulitzer Prize for the play.

The production, directed by Wilson protégé Kenny Leon, runs through July 11. For more information about the production, you can go to its web site.