“I decided to be in the play because the work is good quality and any time an actor has a chance to be in an August Wilson play, he should jump on it,” says Cain who plays the character of Floyd.

The play focuses on Floyd, who is striving to realize his dream of being a jazz singer in the Hill District in 1948 and the relationships with his family, friends and people he meets along his journey.

“I’m working to be an actor and I know what it feels like to want your dream,” said Cain, 34 who resides in Los Angeles.

Although he could draw on his own experiences, Cain still had to do research for the role.

“I researched the year 1948 and what was going on back then,” he says. “Floyd’s favorite jazz musician was Muddy Waters and I had to listen to his music and see why Floyd thought he was the best.”

To help Cain and the other actors catch Wilson’s vision and flavor, Dumas had them read the script at Greenwood Cemetery where the playwright is buried.

“I did that to begin the rehearsal process to honor him,” says Dumas who has directed several of Wilson’s productions including “Fences,” “The Piano Lesson,” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

“August Wilson is the premier Black playwright of the 20th century and to do a play in Pittsburgh from a playwright from Pittsburgh is something I couldn’t pass up,” explains the Philadelphia resident.

Both Cain and Dumas are sure Pittsburgh audiences will relate to the production.

“The audience can expect to go on a ride or journey,” Cain says. “And if we do our jobs, they’ll learn something about themselves, August Wilson and Pittsburgh. Anyone chasing a dream will relate to it.”

Following the run of “Seven Guitars," Dumas will start a recurring role as a judge on "All My Children" and Cain will return to Los Angeles for a little down time.

"Seven Guitars": One man's dream
to become a jazz singer

by Genea Webb

A poignant slice-of life story centered around the smooth sounds of jazz is what audiences will be privy to when they see Kuntu Repertory Theater’s rendition of “Seven Guitars."

The play, which was penned by the late August Wilson, will be performed by Kuntu Repertory Theater, May 20-June 3, at the 7th Floor Auditorium, University of Pittsburgh, 4227 Fifth Ave., Oakland.

It is directed by Charles Dumas and stars Ben Cain, who recently appeared on New Horizon Theater’s stage in “A Soldier’s Story.”