Daniel J. Watts Will Join Seven Guitars Cast
Actor Daniel J. Watts takes over the role of Canewell in the upcoming production at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Cultural
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Daniel J. Watts is set to join the cast of the Seven Guitars revival as Canewell. He replaces Brandon Dirden, who left the production to pursue a television role ahead of the upcoming performances.
Why it matters
The casting change shifts the lineup for the highly anticipated production, which is directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson. The revival serves as a significant theatrical event centered on August Wilson’s classic work set in Pittsburgh.
The production’s director, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, previously performed on Broadway in 1996 and directed the 2017 Jitney revival. Daniel J. Watts also brings experience from his 2026 Tony acting nomination.
The players
Daniel J. Watts
He is an accomplished actor and 2026 Tony Award nominee who will take on the role of Canewell.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson
He is the director of the Seven Guitars revival and a veteran of Broadway performance and direction.
Brandon Dirden
He is an actor who departed the Seven Guitars production to pursue an opportunity in television.
The Telsey Office
This organization is responsible for the management of the Seven Guitars production.
The details
Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, the production features a cast including Chanté Adams, Russell Hornsby, Kristolyn Lloyd, Michael Potts, Roslyn Ruff, and John Douglas Thompson. The play is managed by The Telsey Office and supported by understudies Taylor Elise Jackson, Warner Miller, Simone Moore, and Kevyn Morrow.
Timeline
Performances begin at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater on November 5, 2026.
The official opening for the production is scheduled for November 23, 2026.
The production run is currently scheduled to conclude on January 10, 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This production follows the precedent set by the 2017 Jitney revival, which solidified a high standard for staged August Wilson works. The revival reflects the ongoing industry commitment to bringing classic American drama back to prominent New York City stages.
Theatergoers planning to attend the production can expect the current cast lineup to be in place for the full run through January 2027. Tickets remain available for purchase through the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater box office for the upcoming fall and winter dates.
The takeaway
This casting update ensures the production remains on schedule for its high-profile November opening. Audiences interested in seeing this August Wilson classic should note the specific run dates at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater to plan their attendance accordingly.
What happens next
Performances begin at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater on November 5, 2026, followed by an official opening on November 23, 2026, with the production run concluding on January 10, 2027.
Further reading
For more on the latest productions in the city, visit the New York City Cultural section.
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