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Choir Boy

September 11 – October 23, 2022
A co-production presented with the 5th Avenue Theatre
A Play with Music
Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney
Directed by Jamil Jude

Run time: 1 hour 45 minutes with no intermission
Location: Allen Theatre

CONTENT ADVISORY: This production contains nudity, language and adult content.

Post-Show Discussion – September 27, 7:30 pm with panelists Deaunte Damper, Jéhan Òsanyìn and Justin Talkish. Moderated by Jay Woods, Associate Artistic Director – Artist Engagement at The 5th Avenue Theatre.

Learn and Engage

Check out the education guide for Choir Boy!
Tix for Teachers – September 11, 7 pm
TeenACT
– October 8, 2 pm

Accessible Performances

Audio Described – October 22, 2 pm
ASL Interpreted – October 23, 2 pm

Reaffirms Tarell Alvin McCraney’s position as one of the most profoundly moving and insightful writers of our time.

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, Pharus Young, 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? This riveting show is an intersectional coming-of-age story and a powerful examination of personal identity against institutional traditions: here, being black and queer in a prestigious all-male prep school. From Tarell Alvin McCraney, the Academy Award®-winning writer of Moonlight, Choir Boy electrified Broadway with its soaring gospel, spiritual, and R&B performances.

On sale now!

In the Press

“Put simply, this is a play that demands to be seen, deserves to be seen, and must be seen,” writes Jay Irwin in his review of Choir Boy for Broadway World.

Jerald Pierce at the Seattle Times explores how intimacy choreographer Kaja Dunn plays a key role in the production of Choir Boy. Read the article here.

Misha Berson writes for Crosscut how Nicholas Japaul Bernard (Pharus) harmonizes reality and role in Choir Boy. Read more.

Cast

Cast

Nicholas Japaul Bernard – Pharus Jonathan Young
Donovan Mahannah – Junior Davis
Larry Paulsen – Mr. Pendleton
Arlando Smith – Headmaster Marrow
Brandon G. Stalling – David Heard
Kyle Ward – Anthony Justin “AJ” James
Jarron A. Williams – Bobby Marrow
Johnny Davison – Understudy

Stephon Dorsey – Understudy

Nehemiah Hooks – Understudy
Jesimiel Jenkins – Understudy
Bill Johns – Understudy
Tristan Johnson – Understudy

Creative Team
Jamil Jude
– Director
Shermona Mitchell — Associate Director

Jada Cato – Music Director
Juel D. Lane – Choreographer
Kaja Dunn – Fight Director and Intimacy Choreographer
Jason Michael Webb – Vocal Arrangements
Tony Cisek – Scenic Designer
Trevor Bowen – Costume Designer
Andrew Smith – Lighting Designer
Erin Bednarz – Sound Designer
Erin B. Zatloka – Production Stage Manager
Anna Vraney – Assistant Stage Manager
JR Welden – Swing Stage Manager

2022-23 Season
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Box Office

Questions? Please contact the box office at 206.292.7676 or at boxoffice@acttheatre.org Tuesday – Friday, noon – 5 pm. Visit our Box Office page with more information here.

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Photos by Mark Kitaoka and Tracy Martin