Phylicia Rashad to star in Head of Passes - Public

The Public Theater have announced initial casting for Tarell Alvin McCraney's new play Head of Passes which runs at the Newman Theater from 15 March to 24 April 2016, with an official opening on 28 March 2016.

Phylicia Rashad will play 'Shelah', alongside Alana Arenas (Cookie), Francois Battiste (Aubrey), Kyle Beltran (Crier), and J. Bernard Calloway (Spencer).

This new drama about family, acceptance and the power of faith is directed by Tina Landau, and will feature design by G.W. Mercier, costume by Jeff Croiter, lighting by Jeff Croiter and sound by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen.

"At the mouth of the Mississippi River, Shelah's family and friends have come to celebrate her birthday and save her from a leaking roof. But in this contemporary parable inspired by the Book of Job, 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."

Phylicia Rashad (Shelah) was last seen at The Public in 'The Story' by Tracey Scott Wilson in 2003, as well as in 'Helen' in 2002, and 'Everybody's Rudy' in 1999. Her theatre credits include 'Jelly's Last Jam', 'Into The Woods', 'Dreamgirls', and 'The Wiz'.

Single tickets for the production will go on sale in mid-December.

- by Dom O'Hanlon

Phylicia Rashad

Originally published on

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