BY OLIVIA CLEMENT
APR 22, 2019

Rashad, who starred in the play nearly two decades ago, will helm its Broadway premiere in 2020.

Charles Randolph-Wright’s play Blue, with music by Nona Hendryx, will premiere on Broadway in spring 2020 with direction by Tony winner Phylicia Rashad. A theatre, a design team, and casting will be announced at a later date.

Blue received its world premiere at Arena Stage in 2000 and a subsequent New York premiere at Roundabout Off-Broadway in 2001. Both productions starred Rashad.

An actor and director, Blue will mark Rashad’s Broadway directing debut. Her previous directing credits include last season’s Signature Theatre production of Stephen Adly Guirgis‘ Our Lady of 121st Street; the August Wilsonclassics Gem of the Ocean at Seattle Repertory Theatre, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at the Mark Taper Forum, and Fences at both the Long Wharf Theatre and the McCarter Theatre.

“I am happy to be directing this play that brought me so much joy,” says Rashad. “It affirms the importance of theatre and its power to touch the human heart.”

Infused with a jazz and soul score, Blue explores the complexities of identity and trust behind the carefully constructed façade of the Clarks, a socially prominent family that is struggling with the legacy and pitfalls of their own good fortune.

“Part of the inspiration for writing Blue was that I had never seen a family like mine on stage,” says playwright Randolph-Wright. “I am thrilled that Blue will continue to open doors to a more diverse world, and also spread a little joy.”

“I am excited that Phylicia, Charles, and Brian [Moreland] are bringing Blue back to the stage,” says composer Hendryx. “I am thrilled to be part of a play about a family coping with life, love, secrets, and lies.”

Blue will be produced on Broadway by Brian Moreland, Eric Falkenstein, and Ron Simons.