Phylicia Rashad To Make Broadway Directing Debut With 'Blue' In 2020

Blue, the beloved play by Charles Randolph-Wright with music by Nona Hendryx, will premiere on Broadway in spring of 2020!

The production will be directed by Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad who starred in both the play’s 2000 world premiere at Arena Stage and 2001 New York premiere at Roundabout Theatre Company. Rashad will be making her Broadway debut as a director with this production! Other directing credits include acclaimed productions of four August Wilson classics: Gem of the Ocean at Seattle Repertory Theatre, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at the Mark Taper Forum, and Fences at both the Long Wharf Theatre and the McCarter Theatre. Additionally, she has directed at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre and New York’s Signature Theatre.

Randolph-Wright said in the press release, “Part of the inspiration for writing Blue was that I had never seen a family like mine on stage. I am thrilled that Blue will continue to open doors to a more diverse world, and also spread a little joy.”

Hendryx said, “I am excited that Phylicia, Charles, and Brian are bringing Blue back to the stage. I am thrilled to be part of a play about a family coping with life, love, secrets, and lies.”

Rashad added, “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.”

Additional news about Blue including cast, location, and design team will be announced at a later date.

Photo: Getty