Classic Stage Company's production of Marcus Gardley's black odyssey officially opens its world premiere Off-Broadway in the Lynn F. Angelson Theater February 26. Previews began February 9 for a limited run through March 26.
Reimagining the classic Greek epic about Odysseus' return from the Trojan War with a blend of mythology and African-American history, the new work follows soldier Ulysses Lincoln making his way home to modern-day Harlem. As he faces a daunting journey to reunite with his family, Ulysses' ancestors and their buried history help him on his travels.
Sean Boyce Johnson (For Life) stars as Ulysses Lincoln, joined by Jimonn Cole (Hillary & Clinton) as Paw Sidin, James T. Alfred (Jitney) as Deus, Tẹmídayọ Amay (School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play) as Benevolence, Harriett D. Foy (Amélie) as Aunt Tee, Marcus Gladney Jr. (Choir Boy) as Malachai Lincoln, Adrienne C. Moore (Orange is the New Black) as Alsendra Sabine, Lance Coadie Williams (Sweat) as Artez Sabine, and D. Woods (For Colored Girls…) as Nella P. Lincoln.
Stevie Walker-Webb (Ain't No Mo') directs the production, which also features set design by David Goldstein, costume design by Kindall Almond, lighting design by Adam Honoré, prop supervision by Alexander Wylie, music direction by Linda Tillery, co-music direction by Molly Holm, choreography by Aquila Kikora Franklin, and assistant direction by PJ Johnnie Jr. Jakob W. Plummer serves as production stage manager and TaTyana Smith as assistant stage manager. Casting is by X Casting and Victor Vazquez.
As part of its Classic Perspective Series, Classic Stage Company is facilitating post-show conversations following select performances.
The play was originally developed and produced at the Denver Center Theatre Company. Classic Stage Company originally planned to present the play last season, but ultimately had to postpone the production due to COVID-19.
For tickets and more information, visit ClassicStage.org.
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