Jocelyn Bioh has stepped away as book writer of the upcoming Off-Broadway musical Goddess, set to begin performances at The Public Theater's Newman Theater April 29 ahead of a May 20 opening night. Director Saheem Ali will now take over as librettist with Pulitzer-winning Fat Ham playwright James Ijames joining the creative team to provide additional book material. The project features music and lyrics by Michael Thurber.
鈥淭he beautiful thing about making theatre is how it continues to grow and evolve over time and this stunning show, Goddess, is no exception," says Bioh in a statement. "It has evolved to a different place where I feel it best for Saheem, Michael, and now James to continue the journey. I remain a huge fan of the show and wish everyone well. I have no doubt that New York audiences will be delighted, moved, and inspired by the world of this groundbreaking show.鈥�
鈥淲ords fail to express how grateful I am to Jocelyn for all the exceptional work she has done on Goddess," adds Ali. "Making a new musical is a labor of love, and Jocelyn has loved as fiercely and deeply as Michael and I have over the years. I echo her sentiment that the evolution of the show has led us to this moment and her well wishes are received with open arms and heartfelt appreciation.鈥�
The original musical, inspired by the myth of Marimba, centers on a mysterious singer who arrives in a Kenyan Afro-jazz club and casts her spell on everyone, including a young man visiting home from studying in America who suddenly questions his life plans. The work received its world premiere with a book by Bioh in 2022 at Berkeley Rep. Read the reviews from that run here.
The upcoming Off-Broadway bow will feature much of the cast from the Berkeley Rep premiere, with Tony nominee Amber Iman leading the cast as Nadira alongside Melessie Clark as Mosi, Teshomech Olenja as Tisa, Destinee Rea as Cheche, Awa Sal Secka as Zawadi, and Reggie White as Balozi. Returning to the musical's ensemble will be Isio-Maya Nuwere, Quiantae Thomas, and Wade Watson. New to the company will be Nick Rashad Burroughs as Ahmed, Arica Jackson as Rashida, J Paul Nicholas as Hassan, and Austin Scott as Omari. Additional casting is to be announced. The project's original casting is by Whitley Theatrical, and Taylor Williams is handling The Public's staging.
Ali, who conceived the work, also directed the 2022 world premiere, and has reassembled the bulk of that creative team for the Off-Broadway bow, including choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie, scenic designer Arnulfo Maldonado, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Bradley King, and sound designer Nevin Steinberg. Victoria Navarro will serve as production stage manager, with further creative team members to be announced.
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