My how time flies! 2015 has come to a close. Last year, there was much dismay over a season that was pointedly woman- and melanin-free, but never fear because Broadway Black is here. Check out our recommendations of must see shows (on and off-Broadway) with ample amounts of Black girl magic and (Black man mojo) on display!
Eclipsed Broadway
In Eclipsed, Lupita Nyong’o stars in a complicated and brilliant story of women living in the midst of war-torn Liberia. Several captive wives define their survival in different ways while locked in the grip of a raging civil war. A young woman comes along and must decide for herself what path she will forge through the chaos. The play, penned by playwright and actress Danai Gurira (known for her role as ‘Michonne’ on the television series, “The Walking Dead”) explores themes of identity and choice in this stunning production. The production will hit Broadway at the John Golden Theatre with previews on February 23 and opens on March 6, 2016.
#BroadwayBlack | Original Cast w/ @Lupita_Nyongo Set for @EclipsedBway, Will Make History https://t.co/gZLxb16kzy pic.twitter.com/SdySfxB4fl
— BROADWAY BLACK! (@BroadwayBlack) December 8, 2015
Head of Passes
Beloved actress and Tony Winner Phylicia Rashad returns to Broadway to star in Head of Passes, a play that speaks to audiences of faith, acceptance and family. Head of Passes will begin previews on March 15, 2016, at the Newman Theater. Opening night is set for March 28.
At the mouth of the Mississippi River, Shelah’s family and friends have come to celebrate her birthday and save her from a leaking roof. But in this contemporary parable inspired by the Book of Job, unexpected events turn the reunion into the ultimate test of faith and love. As her world seems to collapse around her, Shelah must fight to survive the rising flood of life’s greatest challenges.
JUST IN: Phylicia Rashad Will Star in @octarell's Head of Passes @PublicTheaterNY https://t.co/y77h9qgBs7 pic.twitter.com/kqLLjBvkZ0
— BROADWAY BLACK! (@BroadwayBlack) November 11, 2015
Shuffle Along
Shuffle Along is an African-American musical revue with music and lyrics by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake, and a connecting plot about a mayoral race, written by Flournoy Miller and Aubrey Lyles. Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Brandon Victor Dixon, Joshua Henry, and Billy Porter make this a show not to miss! Shuffle Along will begin previews March 15, 2016, and open April 28, 2016 at Music Box Theatre in New York.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUxTDUzHiNg
Whorl Inside A Loop (Broadway)
In Whorl Inside a Loop, a well-regarded actress agrees to teach six inmates how to tell their stories behind the bars of a men’s maximum-security prison. Sharing intimate and sometimes hilarious details of their former lives (while portraying characters of varying age, gender and race), this unlikely group forms a bond—even as the actress’ life outside spins out of control. And when what happens in prison doesn’t stay there, no one is sure whom to trust.
There’s quite a bit of buzz about this show making a Broadway debut in 2016 and we sincerely hope so! Although we’ve reported on the possibility of a Broadway transfer after it’s successful run at Second Stage Theatre, there is no official word about this work heading to Broadway. Stay tuned to Broadway Black for details on when and where to catch this production. (We’re crossing our fingers!)
Hughie
Oscar winner Forest Whitaker will make his Broadway debut in this limited engagement at the Boothe Theatre. Previews begin February 8, 2016, and Opening Night is February 25, 2016.
Summer, 1928. New York City. Beyond the bright lights of the Great White Way, a small-time gambler and big-time drinker returns to the faded hotel he has made his home. He encounters a new night clerk at the front desk and as the early hours of the morning give way to another dawn, he continues to chase the American Dream in order to survive. Hughie is a rarely seen theatrical masterpiece that beautifully investigates the themes of loneliness and redemption and offers a unique insight into the human condition.
Smart People
Kenny Leon directs this humorous offering by Lydia R. Diamond. Previews begin January 26, 2016 at the Tony Kiser Theatre with Opening Night set for February 11, 2016.
The quest for love, achievement and identity is universal, but what role does race play in the story of our lives? On the eve of Obama’s first election, four Harvard intellectuals find themselves entangled in a complex web of social and sexual politics in this provocative and funny new play by Lydia R. Diamond.
https://t.co/GB0rUSz0KC | #MahershalaAli & @TThompsonYES Will Star in Smart People @2STNYC https://t.co/tIgXEblKZ5 pic.twitter.com/HsIAfzi6zw
— BROADWAY BLACK! (@BroadwayBlack) November 2, 2015
The Color Purple
The Color Purple heralds the debut of powerhouse Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson. The show began previews on Nov 10, 2015 and Opened Dec 10, 2015 and is currently running at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.
This unforgettable and intensely moving new production mesmerized audiences when it premiered at London’s acclaimed Menier Chocolate Factory, where critics hailed it as “a revelation” (Mark Shenton, The Stage). Now, this American classic comes to Broadway with a powerhouse cast including celebrated London star Cynthia Erivo, who will recreate her electrifying performance as Celie, along with “Orange is the New Black” star Danielle Brooks.
We would LOVE to know your thoughts about this line up and whether you will be making plans to attend. Tweet us @BroadwayBlack!
