Casting is complete for Classic Stage Company's upcoming production of Alice Childress' Wine in the Wilderness, which will mark the New York directorial debut of Tony winner LaChanze (The Color Purple).
Previews will begin March 6 prior to an official opening March 24 for a limited engagement through April 13 at CSC鈥檚 Lynn F. Angelson Theater.
As previously reported, Olivia Washington (I'm a Virgo, Slave Play) will play the role of Tommy. Washington will be joined Grantham Coleman (The Great Society, Rustin) as Bill. Coleman replaces the previously announced Tramell Tillman, who had to depart the production due to scheduling conflicts.
The cast will also feature Brooks Brantly (Sweat, Ghosts) as Sonny-man, Lakisha Michelle May (Jaja鈥檚 African Hair Braiding, Skeleton Crew) as Cynthia, and Milton Craig Nealy (Caroline, or Change; Once on This Island) as Oldtimer. Casting is by X Casting's Victor Vazquez.
Set against the backdrop of the 1964
Harlem riot, Wine in the Wilderness follows artist Bill Jameson, whose friends have just introduced him to a
model for the final piece of his triptych on Black womanhood. But this
woman, Tomorrow Marie, is no mere muse, and she鈥檚 about to give Bill
much more than he bargained for.
Director LaChanze starred in the 2021 Broadway premiere of the late Childress' Trouble in Mind, earning a Tony nomination for her performance. Her creative team for Wine in the Wilderness includes scenic designer Arnulfo Maldonado (Trouble in Mind), costume designer Dede Ayite (Jaja鈥檚 African Hair Braiding), lighting designer Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew (Kimberly Akimbo), sound designer Bill Toles (Kowalski), and wig/hair designer Nikiya Mathis (Jaja鈥檚 African Hair Braiding).
Jason Weixelman is the production stage manager.
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