The cast for Home includes Tory Kittles as Cephus Miles, Brittany Inge as Woman One/Pattie Mae Wells, and Stori Ayers as Woman Two, all making their Roundabout Theatre Company debuts. In this Tony Award-nominated play described by The New York Times as “an uplifting folk ballad about the pure in heart,” Cephus Miles navigates life’s challenges until his sweetheart Pattie Mae’s departure for college and subsequent marriage to another man.

Originally staged by the Negro Ensemble Company in 1979 and part of Roundabout’s Refocus Project, Home by Samm-Art Williams remains a poignant coming-of-age story that resonates with the enduring spirit of all Americans seeking a sense of belonging. Kenny Leon, known for his work on A Soldier’s Play and Topdog/Underdog, brings his directorial prowess to breathe new life into this classic.

Home will commence preview performances on Friday, May 17, 2024, and officially open on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the Todd Haimes Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42nd Street). The production is set for a limited engagement, running through Sunday, July 21, 2024.

The creative team behind “Home” includes Arnulfo Maldonado (Set Design), Dede Ayite (Costume Design), Allen Lee Hughes (Lighting Design), and Justin Ellington (Sound Design) to bring a visually and aurally immersive experience for theatre enthusiasts.

With its return to Broadway, Home not only celebrates the legacy of Samm-Art Williams but also reaffirms the enduring relevance of this heartfelt exploration of identity, resilience, and the quest for home. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the magic of “Home” on stage, where the power of storytelling comes alive.

The post Stori Ayers, Tory Kittles, & Brittany Inge Will Star in <em>HOME</em> on Broadway appeared first on Broadway Black.

Written by American playwright Charles Fuller, A Soldier’s Play will be directed by Tony Award winner and Roundabout Theatre Company’s Senior Resident Director Kenny Leon. The North American tour of A Soldier’s Play will begin performances in December of 2022 with tour stops and additional casting to be announced soon.

In 1944, on a Louisiana Army base, two shots ring out. A Black sergeant is murdered. And a series of interrogations triggers a gripping barrage of questions about sacrifice, service, and identity in America.  Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece opened on Broadway for the first time on Jan. 21, 2020, at Roundabout Theatre Company’s American Airlines Theatre, nearly forty years after it was written. The acclaimed production was nominated for 7 Tony Awards and 3 Drama Desk Awards, winning Best Revival for both.

“It’s an honor to direct Charles Fuller’s masterwork for audiences around the country. Anyone who has seen Norm on the stage or screen knows that he is a remarkably powerful presence, a true force-of-nature and I can’t wait to see what will happen when we have that power at the center of this play.”

Kenny Leon

“As an institution committed to shining new light on classics, Roundabout was proud to produce the long-overdue Broadway premiere of A Soldier’s Play. On Broadway, I was thrilled to see Charles Fuller’s work and Kenny Leon’s spectacular vision get the recognition it deserved,” said Todd Haimes, Artistic Director and CEO, Roundabout Theatre Company. “Now, the opportunity to bring this production to cities across North America allows us to continue elevating the legacy of this great, American masterpiece.”

A veteran of 14 Broadway productions and countless TV & film appearances, Norm Lewis made history as The Phantom of the Opera’s first Black Phantom on Broadway.  Most recently, he starred in Spike Lee’s critically acclaimed Da 5 Bloods and in the groundbreaking FX series, “Pose.” Additionally, Mr. Lewis can be seen starring in ABC’s newest series, “Women of the Movement” and offscreen, his voice can be heard in Apple TV’s animated series “Central Park.” He was also seen as ‘Caiaphas’ in the award-winning NBC television special, “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!” alongside John Legend, Sara Bareilles, and Alice Cooper. 

His additional television credits include “Dr. Death,” “Mrs. America,” “Better Things,” “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Bull,” “Chicago Med,” “Gotham,” “The Blacklist” and “Blue Bloods” as well as in his recurring role as ‘Senator Edison Davis’ on the hit drama “Scandal.”

Mr. Lewis returned to Broadway in the Fall of 2021, starring in Chicken and Biscuits at the Circle In The Square Theatre. He previously appeared in the Broadway revival of Once on this Island and as ‘Sweeney Todd’ in the Off-Broadway production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Barrow Street Theatre, receiving the AUDELCO Award for his performance. He received Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle award nominations for his performance as ‘Porgy’ in the Broadway production of The Gershwins’ Porgy & Bess. Other Broadway credits include Sondheim on Sondheim, The Little Mermaid, Les Misérables, Chicago, Amour, The Wild Party, Side Show, Miss Saigon, and The Who’s Tommy.

Joining director Kenny Leon for the tour of Roundabout Theatre Company’s A Soldier’s Play is the Broadway design team that includes Derek McLane (Sets), Dede Ayite (Costumes), Allen Lee Hughes (Lights), and Dan Moses Schreier (Sound).  The tour of A Soldier’s Play is produced by Roundabout Theatre Company and Tamar Climan.

The post A Soldier’s Play Announces National Tour Starring Norm Lewis appeared first on Broadway Black.

The story follows a Black actress through rehearsals of a major Broadway production and tackles the issues involving racism, identity, and ego, within New York theatre. The play also discusses issues in the Civil Rights Movement and feminist movement. Opening Off-Broadway in 1955, Childress’ play was set to move to Broadway in 1957, however, it never grew to fruition.

Today, the anticpated story will be directed by Charles Randolph-Wright follow two development readings. Additionally, another Childress’s piece titled Wine in the Wilderness was presented through Roundabout’s The Refocus Project in partnership with the Black Theatre United. This project highlighted 20th century plays by Black playwrights.

The creative team will include set designer Arnulfo Maldonado, costume designer Emilo Sosa, lighting designer Kathy A. Perkins, sound designer Dan Moses Schreier, and composer Nona Hendyx.

Recently, Lachanze was seen as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol. Her originated the role of Celie in the Original Broadway Cast of The Color Purple which earned her a Tony Award. She also has starred in shows such as Once On This Island and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, which respectively earned her Tony nominations and If/Then, Dreamgirls, and Company. 

Additional cast members for Trouble in Mind will be annouced soon. For more infomation on the production, please visit HERE.

The post LaChanze Set to Star in Broadway Premiere of Alice Childress’ Trouble in Mind appeared first on Broadway Black.

The role of Senior Resident Director gives Leon the opportunity to participate in the season selection of plays and musicals, but also lead the search for bringing more BIPOC directors and creatives to Roundabout’s company. His accolades of creating a space for Black performers continue with him being the Co-Founder of the prestigious August Wilson Monologue Competition. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Roundabout Theatre Company (@roundaboutnyc)

Kenny Leon is also well known for winning the 2014 Tony Award for Best Play for the revival of A Raisin in the Sun, directing American Son, Gem of the Ocean, and the NBC performances of The Wiz Live and Hairspray Live. 

The post Kenny Leon named Senior Resident Director at Roundabout Theatre Company appeared first on Broadway Black.

Director as Generator with @miranda__haymon
→ https://t.co/vxfoESpK4d pic.twitter.com/l9PpLTbHhG

— Roundabout (@roundaboutnyc) December 14, 2020

Roundabout Theatre Company announces the second session of Roundabout TheatreLab, a program of interactive workshops designed to connect audiences interested in exploring the crafts of theatrical writing and directing, directly with Roundabout artists. This is the chance to create with guidance and explore with experience. 

The Direction of Story with @B_NAX
→ https://t.co/s6ZqDs5FwR pic.twitter.com/8LE8WFAYlf

— Roundabout (@roundaboutnyc) December 14, 2020

Roundabout Theatre Company presents a variety of plays, musicals and new works on its five stages: Broadway’s American Airlines Theatre, Studio 54 and Stephen Sondheim Theatre, and Off-Broadway’s Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, which houses the Laura Pels Theatre and Black Box Theatre.

One Voice: Writing Music & Lyrics Alone with @danielzaitchik
→ https://t.co/IcOcxy7q5k pic.twitter.com/xnAWL4Cxgx

— Roundabout (@roundaboutnyc) December 14, 2020

The Theatre Lab will begin in February 2021 and offers five course options with Directors Steve H. Broadnax III (upcoming Thoughts of a Colored Man on Broadway) and Miranda Haymon (Roundabout Resident Director) and Playwrights/Composers Nathan Alan Davis (Nat Turner in Jerusalem), Adam Gwon (Scotland, PA) and Daniel Zaitchik (Darling Grenadine).  

Musical Theatre Songwriting: Collaboration Lab with @AdamGwon
→ https://t.co/DlofmMQwm3 pic.twitter.com/cxkhbDaBms

— Roundabout (@roundaboutnyc) December 14, 2020

All workshops are planning to be held via Zoom, so no matter the location, students from all over may join. Tickets for the courses are listed at $130 and, depending on the workshop, spaces are limited. 

Four Beginnings with @nthndvs
→ https://t.co/DiDyqqr5HY pic.twitter.com/MXke9CAaDg

— Roundabout (@roundaboutnyc) December 14, 2020

For more information about the Roundabout TheatreLab or to enroll, visit Roundabout TheatreLab.

The post Roundabout TheatreLab: The 2nd Session appeared first on Broadway Black.