Syracuse Stage’s production of ‘Thoughts of a Colored Man. (Photo provided by DKCO&M)
We’re all anxiously awaiting Broadway’s return, and although big musicals tend to get the spotlight, a new play by Keenan Scott II promises to delivers a powerful new work next season (whenever that may be).
Producers Brian Moreland, Ron Simons, Diana DiMenna, Samira Wiley, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, announced that Scott’s Thoughts of a Colored Man, directed by Steve H. Broadnax III, will open on Broadway at a Shubert theater to be announced.
Thoughts of a Colored Man, which weaves spoken word, slam poetry, and rhythm into a mosaic of the inner lives of Black men, will mark the Broadway debuts of both Scott and Broadnax. Scott’s new play The Migration LP is in development at New York Stage & Film and Broadnax most recently directed Katori Hall’s new play The Hot Wing King at Signature Theatre.
Producer Brian Moreland said, “Keenan’s play has been one of my favorite journeys. From our very first reading in 2017, his voice was raw, pure, and honest for our world today. Steve’s direction brings unbridled tenderness to the experience of the contemporary Black male with a full range of humanity. More than ever, it is vital for Broadway and theaters across America to make room for the next generation of theater-makers: to celebrate their communities, to feel their heartache, and to hear the stories they are ready to tell. The entire producing team is humbled to play a small role in bringing Keenan Scott II and Steve H. Broadnax III to Broadway.”
Thoughts of a Colored Man had its critically acclaimed world premiere at Syracuse Stage under the artistic direction of Robert Hupp in the fall of 2019 with a subsequent run later that year at Baltimore Center Stage.
Robert Hupp said, “Thoughts of a Color Man demonstrates the important role non-profit regional theater plays in the ecology of Broadway. Syracuse Stage, along with Baltimore Center Stage, was proud to premiere Thoughts of a Colored Man. Giving this play its first artistic home was a distinct honor, and we are thrilled to know Keenan’s powerful work will be among the first productions to reopen Broadway. It is the right play for right now.”
