Emmy-winning producer, actor, and filmmaker Kerry Washington and Pilar Savone (and their Simpson Street production banner) have joined the producing team of Duke & Roya, Charles Randolph-Wright's new play that will make its New York premiere beginning June 10 at Off-Broadway's Lucille Lortel Theatre.
The producing team also includes the previously reported Get Lifted Film Co.鈥檚 Emmy and Tony winner Mike Jackson, Emmy winner Ty Stiklorius, EGOT winner John Legend, Naturi Naughton-Lewis and Take Two Entertainment, Laura Ivey, Janet Brenner, and Smada Media.
鈥淲e are beyond excited to be joining the producing team of Duke & Roya and to support bringing new work to the stage,鈥� said Washington and Savone in a joint statement. 鈥淭he piece is emotionally rich, timely, and manages to be romantic and funny in all the right places. It is bold, intimate, sharp, and says something urgent about what it means to live with fear but not in it. That spirit is what drew us to the project. With a top-notch cast led by Jay Ellis and Stephanie Nur and an exceptional creative team, we look forward to welcoming audiences to the Lortel Theatre this summer.鈥�
On Broadway, Washington has been seen in Race and American Son. She is also a Tony-nominated producer for the Broadway revivals of Purlie Victorious and Gypsy. Her numerous screen credits include Little Fires Everywhere, Scandal, and Ray.
Directed by Warren Adams, the 11-week engagement of Duke & Roya will officially open June 24.
The new play about romance, identity, and culture will feature Jay Ellis (Top Gun: Maverick), Stephanie Nur (Lioness), Olivier winner and Tony nominee Noma Dumezweni (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and Dariush Kashani (Oslo). Understudies include the newly announced Ariana Afradi (Pieces), Shirine Babb (A Beautiful Noise), Ren茅 David Ifrah (Homeland), and Jequrey Slaton (Power Book II: Ghost).
Duke & Roya follows Duke, an American hip-hop superstar, who meets a fearless Afghan interpreter, Roya, in the heart of war-torn Kabul. They learn to navigate the stark realities of their worlds through a romantic relationship that challenges their beliefs.
The production also has original music by Ronv茅 O鈥橠aniel, scenic design by Wilson Chin, costume design by Snowber Sabrina Spanta, lighting design by Amina Alexander, projection design by Caite Hevner, and sound design and additional music by Taylor J. Williams
General management is by TT Partners.
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