Second Stage Theater has revealed full casting for its upcoming world premiere of Patience, written by Johnny G. Lloyd and set to be directed by Zhailon Levingston. As previously announced, the work will begin performances at Second Stage's McGinn/Cazale Theater August 2 ahead of an August 16 opening night, with the run set to continue through August 28.
The new play centers on Daniel, a gay, Black professional solitaire player looking ahead to his final, career-defining match before retirement, when he'll be able to settle down with his husband-to-be, Jordan.
Starring in the Off-Broadway production will be Justiin Davis as Daniel, Jonathan Burke as Jordan, Nemuna Ceesay as Nikita, Zainab Barry as Ella, and Mary E. Hodges as Mother.
"Patience is special to me because it's my take on the coming-of-age story, one where becoming is equally about questioning as it is about growing," shares Lloyd in a statement. "I hope it's both the kind of quiet where you can hear yourself think and the kind of funny where you see yourself in the joke. When writing Patience, I was inspired by the space between life’s chapters, by Venus Williams, by the oppression of competition—and by the magic of playing a card game against yourself."
Joining Levington's creative team are scenic designer Lawrence E. Moten III, costume designer Avery Reed, lighting designer Adam Honoré, and sound designer Christopher Darbassie. Casting is by Destiny Lilly of The Telsey Office.
Patience is part of Second Stage's Uptown season, which also includes Steph Del Rosso’s 53% Of, currently running at the McGinn/Cazale through July 10.
