Tarell Alvin McCraney's Choir Boy Announces New Broadway Opening Date

Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway premiere of Choir Boy, by Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight, The Brother/Sister Plays) and directed by Drama Desk Award nominee Trip Cullman (Lobby Hero), will now open on January 8. Opening was originally scheduled for January 10. Additionally, Choir Boy will now begin previews December 12 rather than the previously announced December 11.

The cast will feature Nicholas L. Ashe (Junior Blake), Daniel Bellomy (ensemble), Jonathan Burke (ensemble), Gerald Caesar (ensemble), John Clay III (Anthony Justin "AJ" James), Chuck Cooper (Headmaster Marrow), Caleb Eberhardt (David Heard), Marcus Gladney (ensemble), J. Quinton Johnson (Bobby Marrow), Austin Pendleton (Mr. Pendleton), and Jeremy Pope (Pharus Jonathan Young).

The play's plot is described as follows: "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 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?"

Choir Boy's creative team includes Jason Michael Webb (music direction and vocal arrangements), David Zinn (scenic and costume design), Peter Kaczorowski (lighting design), Fitz Patton (sound design), Cookie Jordan (make-up design), Thomas Schall (fight director) and Camille A. Brown (movement).

The production will mark Tarell Alvin McCraney's Broadway debut. The play was first performed at MTC's Studio at Stage II – Harold and Mimi Steinberg New Play Series in summer 2013, extending twice during its run. Choir Boy was commissioned by Manhattan Theatre Club with support from Time Warner Inc.