Cast announced for Choir Boy revival at Bristol Old Vic
Casting has been announced for the revival of Choir Boy at Bristol Old Vic.
The first major UK revival of the soul-stirring musical production runs at the venue from 12 October – 11 November 2023, directed by Bristol Old Vic’s new Artistic Director Nancy Medina.
Choir Boy is a Tony-nominated play by Academy Award-winning writer Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight), and follows Pharus, a young queer, Black student, leading the legendary gospel choir at his elite all-boys prep school in America. This tender coming-of-age story is threaded through with a cappella gospel hymns and spirituals and rejoices in what it means to march to your own drum.
Terique Jarrett plays Pharus, Jyuddah Jaymes plays Pharus’ roommate AJ, Michael Ahomka-Lindsay plays David, Khalid Daley plays JR, Alistair Nwachukwu plays Bobby, Daon Broni plays Headmaster Marrow and Martin Turner plays teacher Mr Pendleton.
The production has design by Max Johns, lighting design by Simisola Majekodunmi, musical direction by and Arranger Femi Temowo, sound design by Donato Wharton, movement direction and intimacy co-ordination by Ingrid Mackinnon, voice and dialect coaching by Aundrea Fudge, casting direction by Julia Horan, fight direction by Kev McCurdy, lighting design by Simisola Majekodunmi, drama therapist Samantha Adams, associate direction by Tatenda Shamiso, costume supervision and hair consultation by Sophia Khan, company stage manager Graham Ray, deputy stage manager Jade Hunter, assistant stage manager Eve Richardson.
Nancy Medina said: “At every step of putting our production of Choir Boy together, there’s been a palpable feeling of joy and giddiness – because it offers such rich, three-dimensional characters for young Black men to perform. It provides what is still a rare opportunity to delve deep into gorgeous characters and explore their honest relationships through really well-crafted storytelling.
“Tarell Alvin McCraney’s script never skips a beat, getting to the essence of what human connection means. I’ve known this play for a few years and during that time society has shifted the conversation about identity, equity and social justice on quite significantly. Woven through this joyous play, current conversations take on new meaning, as our tremendously talented cast and creative team bring it to life, I hope Bristol audiences fall in love with Choir Boy as much as I have.”
For more information and tickets, visit bristololdvic.org.uk
