Based on Alan Paton’s novel "Cry, the Beloved Country," the show, according to Encores! notes, provides an "uncompromising social indictment of apartheid South Africa through the story of two aging men, one black, one white, brought together by a shared grief. The score, one of Weill’s most polystylistic, contains operatic arias, chorales, blues, folk music and pop tunes, and makes abundant use of the chorus (representing the blacks and whites of Johannesburg) to comment upon the action and propel the story forward."
Here is a first look at the cast:
Directed by Gary Griffin and choreographed by Chase Brock, the production will feature music direction by Rob Berman.
The cast will be led by Chuck Cooper as Stephen Kumalo, Sharon Washington as Grace Kumalo, Daniel Breaker as Absalom Kumalo, Sherry Boone as Irena, Kieran Campion as Arthur Jarvis, Daniel Gerroll as James Jarvis, Stephen Kunken as Mark Eland, John Douglas Thompson as John Kumalo, Ted Sutherland as Edward Jarvis, Jeremy Gumbs as Alex, Clifton Duncan as Matthew, Chike Johnson as Johannes, Patina Miller as Linda, James Rebhorn as The Judge and Quentin Earl Darrington as Leader.
The ensemble comprises Adam Alexander, Andre Garner, Rosena Hill, Mary Illes, Amy Justman, Joy Lynn Matthews, Andre McRae, Patricia Phillips, Devin Richards, Lindsay Roberts, Nathaniel Stampley, Eric Van Hoven, Kevin Vortmann, J.D. Webster and Jorell Williams.
Tickets are available at the New York City Center Box Office (West 55th Street between 6th and 7th avenues), through CityTix at (212) 581-1212, or online at www.NYCityCenter.org.