Two-time Tony Award winner Kara Young (Purpose, Purlie Victorious) will join the cast of the first ever New York revival of David Auburn’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play Proof for the show’s limited 16-week engagement at the Booth Theatre. Preview performances for Proof begin Tuesday, March 31, ahead of a Thursday, April 16 opening night.
Young will play the role of Claire, joining the star-studded cast alongside Ayo Edebiri, Don Cheadle, and Jin Ha. She will be taking the place of previously announced Samira Wiley, who had to withdraw from the production for health reasons.
Last year, she made Broadway history by being the first Black performer to win two consecutive Tony Awards for Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose (2025) and Ossie Davis’ Purlie Victorious (2024). This year, Young will also star in the film adaptation of Aleshea Harris’ Is God Is and appear in Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters which also features her Proof co-star Cheadle. In addition to her two Tony Awards and record setting four consecutive Tony nominations for Best Featured Actress in a Play, Young has won two Drama Desk Awards, an Outer Critics Circle Award, an OBIE, a Lucille Lortel Award, and an AUDELCO Award.
What is Proof on Broadway about?
Catherine (Edebiri), the brilliant but restless daughter of renowned mathematics professor Robert (Cheadle), is thrust into turmoil when a notebook containing a revelatory proof is discovered after his death. As debate erupts over its true authorship, Catherine must confront the power of legacy, and the cost of proving herself.
Who will be in the cast of Proof on Broadway?
Playing the lead role of Catherine is Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe Award winner Ayo Edebiri (The Bear). Playing opposite her in the role of Robert will be Academy Award nominee, two-time Golden Globe Award winner, and 11-time Emmy Award nominee Don Cheadle (House of Lies). They will be joined by Grammy Award nominee Jin Ha (M. Butterfly, Hamilton, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert) playing the role of Hal, and two-time Tony Award winner Kara Young (Purpose, Purlie Victorious) will be playing the role of Claire.
Who is on the creative team of Proof on Broadway?
Proof will be directed by Tony Award winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton). Original music has been created by Academy and Emmy Award winner Kris Bowers. The creative team also consists of Obie Award winner Justin Ellington and Connor Wang (sound design), Academy and Emmy Award winner Mia Neal (hair & wig design), Teresa L. Williams (scenic design), Tony Award winner Dede Ayite (costume design), Amanda Zieve (lighting design), Daniel Swee, CSA (casting director), and Sara Gammage (production stage manager). Baseline Theatrical serves as general manager for the production.
When will tickets go on sale for Proof on Broadway?
Tickets for Proof are now on sale on Broadway Direct, an official ticket source for Proof. Buy tickets now.
