Wine in the Wilderness Revival
Opened: March 24, 2025Closing: April 13, 2025
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Wine in the Wilderness Off-Broadway Tickets, News, Info & More
Classic Stage Company
136 East 13th Street New York City, NY 10003
Fortune has smiled on artist Bill Jameson – his friends just introduced him to a model for the final piece of his triptych on Black womanhood. But this woman, Tomorrow Marie, is no mere muse, and she’s about to give Bill much more than he bargained for. Set against the backdrop of the 1964 Harlem riot on a hot summer night, Wine in the Wilderness is a rarely-seen play from the brilliant mind of Alice Childress, whose Trouble in Mind recently took Broadway by storm. That production’s star, Tony-winner LaChanze, brings her deep connection to Childress’s work to her New York directing debut.
Wine in the Wilderness - Off-Broadway Cast
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Wine in the Wilderness
'Wine in the Wilderness' review — rarely revived drama is an artistic masterpiece
9 / 10
Bill, the Harlem artist at the center of the play, envisions his latest work hanging in one of those ordinary places someday. A triptych of Black womanhood also titled Wine in the Wilderness, it features a painting of a young girl, a painting yet to be created, and a central portrait of Bill's ideal Black woman: a sunlit African queen with natural hair and a striking red wrap. She, Bill says, will show the "messed-up women" in his Harlem neighborhood — where the race riots of 1964 are happening concurrently with the events of the play — what they should aspire to be.
Wine in the Wilderness: Alice Childress Reads the Black Bougie Gaze
9 / 10
In Tommy, who cheerily proclaims “I’m independent as a hog on ice,” Childress paints a bold portrait of a confident Black woman who asserts she will always be “cussin’ and fightin’ and lookin’ out for my damn self ‘cause ain’ nobody else ‘round to do it, dontcha know.” Olivia Washington’s vital performance reveals Tommy’s sensitive nature glimmering beneath her brash manner. Grantham Coleman’s easy charm makes the rather insufferable Bill somewhat palatable. Brooks Brantly and Lakisha May neatly depict the superficial neighbors. Designer Dede Ayite dresses everybody with a keen eye, while Nikiya Mathis’ wig and hair design proves essential to Tommy’s character.
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Review Roundup: WINE IN THE WILDERNESS At Classic Stage Company
by A.A. Cristi - March 24, 2025
by A.A. Cristi - March 24, 2025
Classic Stage Company is presenting Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress (Trouble in Mind) directed by Tony Award winner LaChanze (Trouble in Mind) in her New York directorial debut. Read the reviews!
Photos: LaChanze Directs WINE IN THE WILDERNESS At Classic Stage Company
by A.A. Cristi - March 12, 2025
by A.A. Cristi - March 12, 2025
Classic Stage Company has released photos of Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress (Trouble in Mind) directed by Tony Award winner LaChanze (Trouble in Mind) in her New York directorial debut.
Grantham Coleman, Lakisha Michelle May & More Join WINE IN THE WILDERNESS At CSC
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 29, 2025
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 29, 2025
Classic Stage Company has revealed the full cast for Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress and directed by Tony Award winner LaChanze in her New York directorial debut. Learn more.
Olivia Washington & Tramell Tillman Join WINE IN THE WILDERNESS at Classic Stage Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 30, 2024
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 30, 2024
Olivia Washington and Tramell Tillman have joined the cast of WINE IN THE WILDERNESS by Alice Childress at Classic Stage Company, adding depth to this compelling production. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Wine in the Wilderness History
Other Productions of Wine in the Wilderness
| 2025 | Off-Broadway |
Classic Stage Company Off-Broadway Production Off-Broadway |
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