American Repertory Theater's world premiere run of Aoydele Casel's Diary of a Tap Dancer officially opens at the Massachusetts company December 18 after beginning previews December 12. The limited engagement will continue through January 4, 2025.

The performance, which is written and features choreography by Casel, mixes dance, narrative, and song to tell Casel's story while also honoring the female tap dancers that came before her. Torya Beard is directing.

Along with Casel, the cast includes Naomi Funaki, Afra Hines, Quynn L. Johnson, Funmi Sofola, Liberty Styles, Annaliese Wilbur, and Ki'Leigh Williams.

“I was called to write Diary of a Tap Dancer to amplify our voices, family stories, and artistic lineages and to reflect the multitude of languages that we use to uplift and honor our cultural histories,” said Casel in an earlier statement.

The creative team boasts Tony winner Susan Hilferty as design dramaturg and artistic advisor, along with music director Nick Wilders, scenic designer Tatiana Kahvegian, costume designer Camilla Dely, lighting designer Brandon Stirling Baker, sound designer Sharath Patel, projection designer Katherine Freer, co-composer and pianist Carlos Cippelletti, co-composer Ethan Pakchar, dramaturg Jesse Alick, and hair, wig, and makeup designer Earon Nealey.

Tickets are at AmericanRepertoryTheater.org.