Rocky Carroll was nominated for the 1990 Tony Award (New York City) for Supporting or Features Actor in a Drama for "The Piano Lesson" for his portrayal of the character Lymon.
Charles S. Dutton was nominated for the 1990 Tony Award (New York City) for Actor in a Drama for "The Piano Lesson" for the role of Boy Willie and recreated it in this production.
The original Braodway production of "The Piano Lesson" by August Wilson opened at the Walter Kerr Theater on April 16, 1990, ran for 328 performances and was nominated for the 1990 Tony Award for the Best Play. Charles S. Dutton, Carl Gordon, Tommy Hollis and Lou Myers recreated their stage roles in this filmed production.
The play "The Piano Lesson" won the Pulitzer Prize in Drama in 1990.
Alfre Woodard and Zelda Harris starred together in Crooklyn a year earlier.