HomeExtended RunsJonathan Burke Takes Over Lead Role in Choir Boy — Final Two...
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Jonathan Burke Takes Over Lead Role in Choir Boy — Final Two Weeks!

Andrew Shade
By Andrew Shade

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Jonathan Burke Photo by Drew Shade
rnrnManhattan Theatre Club’s Broadway premiere of Choir Boy, by Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight, The Brother/Sister Plays, High Flying Bird) will begin its final two weeks of performances. After being extended twice, the play must close on Sunday, March 10.rn

PHOTOS: Opening Night of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Choir Boy on Broadway

rnJeremy Pope departed the production on Sunday, February 24 to join the cast of Ain’t Too Proud — The Life and Times of The Temptations on Broadway. Jonathan Burke will take over the role of “Pharus Jonathan Young” for the remaining two weeks of the run. Ryan Jamaal Swain will join the cast as an ensemble member and Pharus cover.rn

For half a century, the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys has been dedicated to the education of strong, ethical black men. One talented student has been waiting for years to take his rightful place as the leader of the legendary gospel choir. But can he make his way through the hallowed halls of this institution if he sings in his own key?

rnSo the cast now features Nicholas L. Ashe (Junior Blake), Daniel Bellomy (Ensemble), Jonathan Burke (Pharus Jonathan Young), Gerald Caesar(Ensemble), John Clay III (Anthony Justin “AJ” James), Chuck Cooper (Headmaster Marrow), Caleb Eberhardt (David Heard), Marcus Gladney (Ensemble), J. Quinton Johnson (Bobby Marrow), Austin Pendleton (Mr. Pendleton) and Ryan Jamaal Swain (Ensemble).rnrnChoir Boy marks Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Broadway debut as well as the second production that transfers to Broadway following a premiere at MTC’s The Studio at Stage II – Harold and Mimi Steinberg New Play Series, where it debuted in the summer of 2013 to rave reviews and sold-out audiences, also extending twice during its run.rnrn 

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Andrew Shade
Andrew 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

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