MTC's CHOIR BOY Moves Opening to January 8, Previews Begin December 12

Manhattan Theatre Club presents the Broadway premiere of Choir Boy, by Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight, The Brother/Sister Plays) and directed by Drama Desk Award nominee Trip Cullman (Lobby Hero,Significant Other, Murder Ballad).

Choir Boy will now begin previews Wednesday, December 12, 2018 ahead of a Tuesday, January 8, 2019 opening at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). Choir Boy was originally announced to open on January 10, 2019.

The cast will feature Nicholas L. Ashe (Junior Blake), Daniel Bellomy (Ensemble), Jonathan Burke (Ensemble), Gerald Caesar(Ensemble), John Clay III (Anthony Justin "AJ" James), Chuck Cooper (Headmaster Marrow), Caleb Eberhardt (David Heard),Marcus Gladney (Ensemble), J. Quinton Johnson (Bobby Marrow), Austin Pendleton (Mr. Pendleton) and Jeremy Pope (Pharus Jonathan Young).

Original cast members from the 2013 Off-Broadway MTC production include Nicholas L. Ashe, Chuck Cooper, Austin Pendleton and Jeremy Pope.

Choir Boy's creative team includes Jason Michael Webb (music direction & vocal arrangements), David Zinn (scenic & costume design), Peter Kaczorowski (lighting design), Fitz Patton (sound design), Cookie Jordan (make-up design), Thomas Schall (fight director) and Camille A. Brown (movement).

Choir Boy will mark Tarell Alvin McCraney's Broadway debut as well as the second production that transfers to Broadway following a premiere at MTC's The Studio at Stage II - Harold and Mimi Steinberg New Play Series, where it debuted in the summer of 2013 to rave reviews and sold-out audiences, extending twice during its run.

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," and The New York Post hailed it as "bracing and provocative." Now, we're thrilled to bring this soaring music-filled work to Broadway. Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney is an Oscar®-winning screenwriter of Moonlightand a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship Grant. Directing is Drama Desk Award nominee Trip Cullman (Lobby Hero, Significant Other, Murder Ballad).

Tickets for Choir Boy are available at Telecharge.com, by calling 212-239-6200, or by visiting The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre Box Office at 261 West 47th Street. For more information and to sign up for MTC's "30 under 35" program for theatregoers age 35 and under visit https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/season-tickets/30-under-35/.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus