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Joan Allen, Ntozake Shange, and More Join Phylicia Rashad at Head of Passes Opening

Tarell Alvin McCraney’s new play is directed by Tina Landau.

Phylicia Rashad is joined by her daughter, Condola Rashad, to toast the opening of Head of Passes.
Phylicia Rashad is joined by her daughter, Condola Rashad, to toast the opening of Head of Passes.
(© Tricia Baron)

The Public Theater celebrated its New York premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney's Head of Passes, starring Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad, on March 28. Directed by Tina Landau, the production will now run through April 24.

Tina Landau congratulates her Head of Passes star, Phylicia Rashad.
Tina Landau (right) congratulates her Head of Passes star, Phylicia Rashad.
(© Tricia Baron)

Rashad leads the cast as Shelah, a woman who "must fight to survive the rising flood of life's great challenges" as her family and friends come to celebrate her birthday.

Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis celebrates opening night with Head of Passes director Tina Landau and playwright Tarrell Alvin McCraney.
Public Theater artistic director Oskar Eustis celebrates opening night with Head of Passes director Tina Landau and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney.
(© Tricia Baron)

Rounding out the nine-person company will be Alana Arenas (The Bluest Eye) as Cookie, Francois Battiste (Bronx Bombers) as Aubrey, Kyle Beltran (The Fortress of Solitude) as Crier, J. Bernard Calloway (All the Way) as Spencer, Robert Joy (Side Show) as Dr. Anderson, Jonathan Earl Peck (Three Sisters) as Creaker Johnson, and Arnetia Walker (Dreamgirls) as Mae.

John Earl Jelks takes on the role of Creaker.
John Earl Jelks takes on the role of Creaker.
(© Tricia Baron)

The creative team for Head of Passes includes scenic design by G.W. Mercier, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Jeff Croiter, sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen, and wig and hair design by Robert-Charles Vallance.

J. Bernard Calloway plays Spencer.
J. Bernard Calloway plays Spencer.
(© Tricia Baron)

Francois Battiste plays Aubrey.
Francois Battiste plays Aubrey.
(© Tricia Baron)

Kyle Beltran takes on the role of Crier.
Kyle Beltran takes on the role of Crier.
(© Tricia Baron)

Alana Arenas plays the role of Cookie.
Alana Arenas plays the role of Cookie.
(© Tricia Baron)

Arnetia Walker takes on the character Mae.
Arnetia Walker takes on the role of Mae.
(© Tricia Baron)

Robert Joy completes the company as Dr. Anderson.
Robert Joy completes the company as Dr. Anderson.
(© Tricia Baron)

Guests at the performance included Hamilton star Jasmine Cephas Jones and her dad, Mr. Robot cast member Ron Cephas Jones.
Guests at the performance included Hamilton star Jasmine Cephas Jones and her dad, Mr. Robot cast member Ron Cephas Jones.
(© Tricia Baron)

Stage and screen great Joan Allen joins Head of Passes director Tina Landau for a photo.
Stage and screen great Joan Allen (right) joins Head of Passes director Tina Landau for a photo.
(© Tricia Baron)

Phylicia Rashad joins for colored girls playwright Ntozake Shange at the afterparty.
Phylicia Rashad joins playwright and poet Ntozake Shange at the after-party.
(© Tricia Baron)

For tickets and more information, click here.

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