Broadway's Choir Boy Extends Again

Manhattan Theatre Club has announced another extension of its Broadway premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney's Choir Boy. It will now run through Sunday, March 10, at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. In addition, Jonathan Burke will take over the role of Pharus Jonathan Young during the last two weeks of its run after Jeremy Pope leaves the production on Sunday, February 24, to join the cast of Ain't Too Proud — The Life and Times of the Temptations.

The production marks McCraney's Broadway debut. The play was first performed at MTC's Studio at Stage II – Harold and Mimi Steinberg New Play Series in summer 2013, extending twice during its run. Choir Boy was commissioned by Manhattan Theatre Club with support from Time Warner Inc.

The play's plot is described as follows: "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?"

In alphabetical order, the current company includes 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).

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