We previously talked about a run of Head of Passes at Berkeley Repertory Theatre to rave reviews back in May starring Cheryl Lynn Bruce. So, we’re so excited that Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad has signed on and that this new mounting is a co-production with Berkley Rep. Joining her in the cast of the nine person play includes Alana Arenas (Cookie), Francois Battiste (Aubrey), Kyle Beltran (Crier), and J. Bernard Calloway (Spencer). This is something you do not want to miss. The show is being billed as follows:

Tarell Alvin McCraney, MacArthur Award-winning playwright of the acclaimed Brother/Sister Plays, has written a poetic and contemporary parable inspired by the Book of Job. 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 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. 

PHYLICIA RASHAD (Shelah) was last seen at The Public in The Story by Tracey Scott Wilson in 2003, as well as in Helen in 2002, and Everybody’s Rudy in 1999. She is a versatile performer who became a household name when she portrayed “Claire Huxtable” on “The Cosby Show,” a character whose appeal has earned numerous honors and awards for over two decades. While television was a catalyst in the rise of Rashad’s career, she has also been a force on the stage, appearing both on and off-Broadway, often in projects that showcase her musical talent such as Jelly’s Last Jam, Into The Woods, Dreamgirls, and The Wiz. As a dramatic actress, Rashad has appeared on Broadway in August Osage County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (also West End), Gem Of The Ocean (Tony nomination), A Raisin in the Sun (Drama Desk and Tony Awards) and Cymbeline. She appeared in Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds, and starred in Perry’s highly acclaimed film version of Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf. She made her directorial debut at the Seattle Repertory Theater with August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean and has directed works at The Ebony Repertory, Kirk Douglas Theatre, Westport County Playhouse, Mark Taper, Longwharf Theatre, and the McCarter Theatre. Rashad has received numerous honorary doctorate degrees and awards for excellence both in theater and television.

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All jokes aside, Dr. Seuss has been imparting wisdom since 1937 and his Grinch has been stealing Christmas since 1957. This year, however, The Grinch takes on a new life, giving way to the first African-American to take on the titular role. J. Bernard Calloway (Memphis, All The Way) joins the cast of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas! on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage at The Old Globe in San Diego, November 7 through December 26. 

San Diego welcomes Calloway back to their stages with open arms. He is known for portraying the stern and protective, yet loving big brother, “Delray Jones”, in the 2008 world premiere of Memphis at La Jolla Playhouse. Calloway continued this role, rock and rolling into the 2010 Tony Award-winning Broadway production, which ran until 2012. Spreading his gift between TV, film, and the stage, Calloway has also been seen in the 2014 Tony Award-winning production of All the Way, the Off Broadway production of The Good Negro (The Public Theatre), “Dreamgirls” (Fox Theatre), CBS’s “The Good Wife”, and his 2009 film debut in “The Taking of Pelham 123.”

For over 80 years, the Tony Award-winning Old Globe has been enriching lives through the Arts. Deservedly so, they are nationally recognized for their excellence in regional professional theatre. The Old Globe is the original producer of “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” and has continued the tradition of producing it each year since its beginning in 2007. James Vásquez will direct this year’s production. The book and lyrics are by Timothy Mason and the music is written by Mel Marvin. 

Jim Carrey forever shaped my memories as the green goblin of Whoville’s Christmas in the 2000 life action film adaption of “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas!.” As funny as he looked prancing around the screen reminiscent of an oblong stuffed turkey, The Grinch drove a key message home for 8 year old Jerrica. When 21 Days of Christmas comes around each year,  The Grinch reminds us that Christmas is not about presents or food, but it’s about community. No matter what is subtracted from you on a day to day basis, you always have your friends and your family.

Let’s applaud J. Bernard Calloway, as he not only makes his debut at The Old Globe, but breaks history and molds a new holiday memory for many to come.

Noise! Feast! Sing! And get tickets HERE!

The post A New Grinch: You’re A Mean One, Mr… Calloway appeared first on Broadway Black.