Following seven women, Shange's choreopoem explores their stories and how they find strength in each other’s humor and passion through a fusion of poetry, dance, music, and song.
In the original production, Lady in Orange was played by Shange, Lady in Brown was played by Janet League, Lady in Red was played by Trezana Beverley, Lady in Green was played by Paula Moss, Lady in Blue was played by Laurie Carlos, Lady in Purple was played by Risë Collins, and Lady in Yellow was played by Aku Kadogo.
Brown makes history with the revival, becoming the first Black woman to serve as choreographer and director on a Broadway production in more than 65 years.
The original Broadway production, which also ran at the Booth Theatre, earned a 1977 Tony nomination for Best Play, and Beverley, the production's Lady in Red, won the Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Play. Among its other award recognitions are four Drama Desk nominations and one win, as well as winning the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Broadway Musical and a Theatre World Award win for Beverley.