A Must See

Choir Boy Opens Off Broadway Starring Chuck Cooper And Jeremy Pope

Published

July 3, 2013

The gospel drama Choir Boy by Tarell Alvin McCraney opened last night at the Manhattan Theatre Club. After recently finishing August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, Chuck Cooper stars in this play that is set at the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, “dedicated to the creation of strong, ethical black men”, and tells the story of Pharus, played by Jeremy Pope.

Pharus wants nothing more than to take his rightful place as leader of the school’s legendary gospel choir. Can he find his way inside the hallowed halls of this institution if he sings in his own key?

This show has been on the tips of tongues as of lately. With its stirring drama and gospel music, it’s sure to be one to see. Want to know more about the story watch the video below as the cast describes the piece. Also see what star of the show has to say about the piece and how people have been responding.

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Tarell Alvin McCraney is author of The Brother/Sister Trilogy: The Brothers Size, In the Red and Brown Water, & Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet. His other works include Wig Out! set in New York’s drag clubs and The Breach which deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He was the first recipient of The New York Times‘ Outstanding Playwright Award, the 2009 Steinberg Playwrights Award, and the Paula Vogel Playwriting Award.

In this article:

Written By Drew Shade

Drew Shade is a visionary creative force at the intersection of Black theatre, media, and culture. As the Founder and Creative Director of Broadway Black, Off-Book: The Podcast, and The Antonyo Awards, he champions artistic excellence and amplifies the voices of Black theatre artists with intention, heart, and unapologetic pride. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Playbill, Deadline, The Observer, and Apple TV’s Dear…, and he's collaborated with brands and institutions such as NBC, BET, Audible, Universal Pictures, SheaMoisture, The Public Theater, Signature Theatre, National Black Theatre, and more. He has also served as a cultural consultant and curator for countless Broadway productions for over a decade — establishing himself as a trusted voice and tastemaker in theatre and media. In addition to his work behind the scenes, Shade is a performer and creative artist in his own right, with credits including Classical Theatre of Harlem’s The First Noel at The Apollo, The Preacher’s Wife musical at The Alliance Theatre, and a Sondheim tribute concert at Carnegie Hall led by Tituss Burgess. He’s also lent his voice to campaigns for Google and continues to explore visual storytelling through photography — from red carpets to press coverage. Rooted in joy, justice, and the belief that Black theatre is both legacy and revolution, Shade continues to build platforms and shine light where it’s long been overdue — so Black artists are seen, heard, and celebrated on their own terms. “Have a belief in yourself that is bigger than anyone’s disbelief.” – August Wilson