Leslie Uggams and Lynn Whitfield to Star in Phylicia Rashad-Directed Blue at the Apollo
(Photo: Emilio Madrid)
Blue, writer Charles Randolph-Wright and composer Nona Hendrix's musical play, will receive a 16-week engagement at Harlem's Apollo Theater. Tony-winning actress Phylicia Rashad will direct the production, and Tony winner Leslie Uggams and Emmy winner Lynn Whitfield will lead the cast. The production was previously announced for a Broadway run. Previews for the production are set to begin April 27 with an opening night set for May 10.
Rashad, who won a Tony in 2004 for performing in A Raisin in the Sun and has forged a prolific career as a director, appeared in the original production of Blue at Arena Stage in 2000, as well as the play's 2001 New York premiere at the Roundabout Theatre Company. Whitfield, who last appeared on Broadway in The 24 Hour Plays, will take on Rashad's original role of Peggy Clark, the mother of a well-off African-American family who runs a funeral home in South Carolina. Uggams will play Tillie Clark; she is returning to the Apollo where she first stepped on stage making her professional debut at age 9.
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. Infused with a searing jazz and soul score, the show celebrates the love and spirit of a family coming to terms with itself.
"I am thrilled that Blue will continue to open doors to a more diverse world, and also spread a little joy," playwright Randolph-Wright said in a statement. "I am happy to be directing this play that brought me so much joy. It affirms the importance of theater and its power to touch the human heart," Rashad added.
Blue will run through August 16 at the Apollo. The creative team include set designer David Rockwell, costume designer Toni-Leslie James, lighting designer Ryan O’Gara, sound designer Dan Moses Schreier and music supervisor Joseph Joubert. Complete casting will be announced shortly.
