Tony Winner Phylicia Rashad Will Lead Tarell Alvin McCraney's Head of Passes Off-Broadway

Tony winner Phylicia Rashad will return to the Public Theater to headline the New York premiere of Head of Passes. Penned by Tarell Alvin McCraney and directed by Tina Landau, the new drama about family, acceptance and the power of faith will begin previews on March 15, 2016 in the Newman Theater. Opening night is set for March 28.

Rashad last appeared at the Public in 2003 in Tracey Scott Wilson’s The Story. Best known as Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show, she won the Tony for A Raisin in the Sun and was nominated for Gem Of The Ocean. Additional stage credits include Jelly's Last Jam, Into The Woods, Dreamgirls, The Wiz, August Osage County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Cymbeline.

Inspired by the Book of Job, Head of Passes is set at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Shelah’s (Rashad) family and friends have come to celebrate her birthday and save her from a leaking roof but unexpected events turn the reunion into the ultimate test of faith and love. As her world seems to collapse around her, Shelah must fight to survive the rising flood of life’s greatest challenges.

The cast will also include Alana Arenas as Cookie, Francois Battiste as Aubrey, Kyle Beltran as Crier and J. Bernard Calloway as Spencer.

Head of Passes will feature scenic design by G.W. Mercier, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Jeff Croiter, sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen, and hair and wig design by Robert-Charles Vallance.