Star of the television political drama Scandal Kerry Washington and theatre favorite Steven Pasquale will combine their talents in the Broadway-bound production of American Son. The new play by Christopher Demos-Brown will begin previews at Broadway’s Booth Theatre on October 6th. Directed by Tony-winner Kenny Leon, American Son’s official opening night is slated for November 4, 2018.
“Christopher Demos-Brown has written a play that dives deep into the big questions of who we are as a nation, by exploring the intimate relationships within a family caught at the crossroads of love, loss, identity, and community,” says star Kerry Washington. “After reading the script I was immediately enthralled by the world of the play and the gripping circumstances that these characters are facing. I am excited to step into the ring with Kenny & Steve to tell this story on Broadway.”
American Son is described as follows: “DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE? A Florida police station in the middle of the night; a mother searching for her missing teenage son. American Son is a gripping tale of two parents caught in our national divide, with their worst fears hanging in the balance.”
The company will also include Eugene Lee (Gem of the Ocean) as “Lieutenant John Stokes.” The creative team includes Derek McLane (Scenic Design), Dede Ayite (Costume Design), and Peter Fitzgerald (Sound Design). The remaining company and creative team members will be announced soon.
Kerry Washington made her Broadway debut in 2009 in Race by David Mamet. Audiences may be more familiar with her work on television, from her enthralling performance on Shonda Rhimes’ Scandal and her award-winning portrayal of Anita Hill on the HBO drama Confirmation. Save the Last Dance, Lift (for which she received an Independent Spirit nomination), Mr. & Mrs. Smith, I Think I Love My Wife, Django, Miracle at St. Anna, Lakeview Terrace, and The Details are among her film credits.
Steven Pasquale most recently starred on Broadway in Lincoln Center’s Tony-nominated production of Junk, written by Ayad Akhtar and directed by Doug Hughes. Previously he starred in Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins at City Center’s Encores! series, in Alex Timber’s production of The Robber Bridegroom at the Roundabout Theatre, and opposite Kelli O’Hara in the Broadway musical adaptation of The Bridges Of Madison County directed by Bartlett Sher. Other stage credits include “Billy Bigelow” in Chicago Lyric Opera’s acclaimed production of Carousel directed by Rob Ashford, the musical adaptation of Far From Heaven at Playwrights Horizons directed by Michael Greif, and Tony Kushner’s The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide… at the Public Theater also directed by Michael Greif. Television audiences will recognize him from the popular series Rescue Me.
Mark Robinson is the author of the two-volume encyclopedia The World of Musicals and maintains a theater and entertainment blog at markrobinsonwrites.com.