J. Harrison Ghee, Joaquina Kalukango to Lead Sia Musical Saturday Church

Initial casting is set for Saturday Church, a new musical coming to New York Theatre Workshop with a score by Grammy nominee Sia and book co-written by Damon Cardasis and Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames.

A queer coming-of-age story set in New York City, Saturday Church is based on the 2017 film written and directed by Cardasis. Music and lyrics are by Sia, with additional music by Grammy winner Honey Dijon.

The cast of Saturday Church will include The Voice 2025 contender Bryson Battle, Tand Tony Award winners J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot) and Joaquina Kalukango (Paradise Square).

The production will be directed by Whitney White, with choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie, music direction by Deah Love Harriot, and music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Jason Michael Webb and Luke Solomon. Sets are by David Zinn, costumes are by Qween Jean, lighting is by Adam Honoré, sound is by Gareth Owen, and music production is by Chris Penny.

Update, June 26: B Noel Thomas (SuperYou) will replace the previously announced  Michaela Jaé Rodriguez in the company, who, due to scheduling conflicts, will now shift into the position of creative consultant and producer.

In addition, the full cast will comprise Anania (Gaydar), Primo Thee Ballerino (Cats: The Jellicle Ball), Veyonce Deleon (Being the Digital Griot), Dava Huesca (Cats: The Jellicle Ball), Kristolyn Lloyd (Liberation), Kareem Marsh (Goddess), Jackson Kanawha Perry (Stuntboy: In the Meantime), Caleb Quezon (Kinky Boots), and Wade Watson (Goddess). Fernell Hogan (Kimberly Akimbo), Michael Samarie George (The Wiz), and J’Quay Gibbs (Rent) will serve as swings.