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The Off-Broadway cast of Choir Boy at Manhattan Theatre Club
The Off-Broadway cast of Choir Boy at Manhattan Theatre Club

MTC Announces Initial Casting for Choir Boy

Manhattan Theatre Club has announced initial casting for the upcoming Broadway production of Choir Boy. Written by Academy Award-winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight) and directed by Trip Cullman (Lobby Hero, Significant Other, Murder Ballad), the production will feature performances by Jeremy Pope, Chuck Cooper, and Austin Pendleton.

“For half a century, the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys has been dedicated to the education of strong, ethical black men. One talented student has been waiting for years to take his rightful place as the leader of the legendary gospel choir. But can he make his way through the hallowed halls of this institution if he sings in his own key? On its American debut at MTC’s Studio Stage II, The New York Times called the play “vivid, magnetic and moving.”

Chuck Cooper won a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for The Life (1997). Austin Pendleton is best-remembered for originating the role of Motel in the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof (1964) and for various stage, television and film roles. Jeremy Pope has appeared Off-Broadway in The View Upstairs and Invisible Thread.

As previously announced, MTC’s 2018-2019 season will also include the American premiere of The Nap, written by Olivier Award nominee Richard Bean and directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan; the world premiere of India Pale Ale, the new play by Jaclyn Backhaus and directed by Lortel Award nominee Will Davis, at MTC at New York City Center – Stage I; and the world premiere of Continuity, by Bess Wohl and directed by Tony Award nominee Rachel Chavkin, at The Studio at Stage II – The Harold and Mimi Steinberg New Play Series.

Mark Robinson is the author of the two-volume encyclopedia The World of Musicals and maintains a theater and entertainment blog at markrobinsonwrites.com.

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