The Laboratory Theater partners with Theatre Conspiracy to present ‘Two Trains Running’
After a successful run of Clown Bar Christmas, The Laboratory Theater welcomes Theatre Conspiracy back for a collaboration of August Wilson’s Two Trains Running, directed by Sonya McCarter.
The seventh installment of August Wilson’s American Century Cycle, Two Trains Running, captures a community caught in the gears of urban renewal. While the world outside is loud with the sounds of protest and political shifts, Wilson takes us inside the steam and grit of a Pittsburgh eatery where the stakes are purely personal. It’s a story about the cost of a building, the value of a life’s work, and the question of whether a person can ever truly get a fair shake from a system that keeps moving the finish line.
Set in 1969, the stage comes alive with the “Hill District” philosophy, a blend of street-smart wisdom, mystical prophecy, and the raw pursuit of a paycheck. We follow Sterling (Daniel Kinney), a young man fresh out of the penitentiary looking for a win, and Memphis (Robert Barner), the diner’s owner who refuses to let the city buy his soul for a penny less than it’s worth. Between the rhythmic demands of Hambone (Lemec Bernard) and the quiet, scarred resilience of Risa (BreSheena Kinney), the play reveals that the real revolution isn’t happening on the news, it’s happening over a cup of coffee and a game of numbers. It is a sharp, funny, and deeply moving portrait of people who are determined to be seen before their neighborhood disappears.
Directed by Sonya McCarter, with assistant director Shontae Khaleel White, costumes by Diana Waldier, and stage management by Tiffany Campbell, Two Trains Running features Robert Barner (Memphis), Elvis Mortley (West), Ty Davis (Wolf), Lemec Bernard (Hambone), Daniel Kinney (Sterling), Sheena Kinney (Risa), Cicero McCarter (Holloway).
Director Sonya McCarter said, “Two Trains Running exists in the space between life and death–not only as destinations, but as choices. August Wilson sets each character in motion, navigating the pull between old ways and hard truths, justice and the comfort of the status quo, luck and faith, love and rejection.
No one in this world stands still. Every decision carries consequences, pushing each character toward growth or stagnation, survival or surrender. The play reminds us that movement is inevitable — but direction is a choice. And in choosing, we discover what it truly means to live.”
Performance dates:
• Feb. 20, 21, 26, 27 at 7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 22, 28 at 2 p.m.
• March 5, 6, 7 at 7:30 p.m.
• March 1, 2 at 2 p.m.
Two Trains Running is sponsored by Noreen Rainey and the Bridging the Gap Center for the Arts.
The Lab’s 17th season is sponsored by Art Zupko and Annette Trossbach.
Tickets are $37 each or $10 for students with valid student IDs. Thrifty Thursday night special ticket price of $32 each for adults. For tickets, please call the box office at 239-291-2905 or visit laboratorytheaterflorida.com.
About the Laboratory Theater of Florida
The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks, which both feature and challenge local performers. For more information visit LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Ave., in the Fort Myers River District.
About Theatre Conspiracy
Theatre Conspiracy is dedicated to producing a wide range of theatrical works, from timeless classics to innovative contemporary pieces. Sometimes, both at the same time.
Theatre Conspiracy’s 33rd season is sponsored by Janet & Bruce Bunch.