Baltimore Center Stage's upcoming world premiere of Jordan E. Cooper's Oh Happy Day! (a co-production with Off-Broadway's Public Theater) has found its full cast. BCS Artistic Director Stevie Walker-Webb is at the helm, reuniting with Cooper after staging his Ain't No Mo' both Off-Broadway and on the Main Stem. Performances will run September 19-October 13, with opening night set for September 27.
As in Ain't No Mo', Cooper will be part of the cast of Oh Happy Day!, starring as Keyshawn. Newly announced to join him are James T. Alfred as Lewis, Tamika Lawrence as Niecy, Justin Sturgis as Kevin, and Latrice Pace, Courtney Monet, and Tiya Askia as The Divines.
The work reimagines the Biblical story of Noah's Ark, reset to begin at a birthday barbecue in Laurel, Mississippi, and featuring original music by gospel icon Donald Lawrence.
The production will feature music direction by Daniel Rudin, choreography by Charlique C. Rolle, scenic design by Liciana Stecconi, costume design by Celeste Jennings, lighting design by Adam Honore, and sound design by Taylor J. Williams. Jakob W. Plummer will be production stage manager with Monét Thibou as assistant stage manager.
A New York run at the Public is expected but, as of yet, unannounced.
Tickets are available at CenterStage.org.