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Get Ready for a Barbecue at the Public Theater

Robert O’Hara’s new play is directed by Kent Gash.

Editorial Staff
Off-Broadway
Heather Alicia Simms, Benja Kay Thomas, Marc Damon Johnson, and Kim Wayans in Robert O'Hara's Barbecue at the Public Theater.
Heather Alicia Simms, Benja Kay Thomas, Marc Damon Johnson, and Kim Wayans in Robert O'Hara's Barbecue at the Public Theater.
(© Joan Marcus)

The world premiere of Barbecue, written by Obie Award winner Robert O'Hara (Bootycandy) and directed by Kent Gash, is currently taking place at the Public Theater. Performances are scheduled to continue through November 1, with an official opening on October 8.

Constance Shulman and Arden Myrinin star in Barbecue at the Public Theater.
Constance Shulman and Arden Myrin star in Barbecue at the Public Theater.
(© Joan Marcus)

The play is set at a family barbecue with the O'Mallerys. The family has staged an intervention for their drug-abusing sister Barbara at their local park, but the event becomes raucous and unpredictable as familial stereotypes collide with hard realities.

A scene from the Public Theater production of Robert O'Hara's Barbecue, directed by Kent Gash.
A scene from the Public Theater production of Robert O'Hara's Barbecue, directed by Kent Gash.
(© Joan Marcus)

The company will feature Becky Ann Baker (Girls), Marc Damon Johnson (Radio Golf), Arden Myrin (Chelsea Lately), Paul Niebanck (A Picture of Autumn), Tamberla Perry (By the Way, Meet Vera Stark), Constance Shulman (Orange Is the New Black), Heather Alicia Simms (As the World Turns), Samantha Soule (And I and Silence), Benja Kay Thomas (Bootycandy), and Kim Wayans (In Living Color).

Becky Ann Baker, Samantha Soule, Constance Shulman, and Arden Myrin star in Barbecue.
Becky Ann Baker, Samantha Soule, Constance Shulman, and Arden Myrin star in Barbecue.
(© Joan Marcus)

Barbecue features scenic design by Clint Ramos, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Jason Lyons, and original music and sound design by Lindsay Jones.

Benja Kay Thomas and Heather Alicia Simms take the stage at the Public Theater.
Benja Kay Thomas and Heather Alicia Simms take the stage at the Public Theater.
(© Joan Marcus)

For tickets and more information, click here.

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