The Public announces a casting change for Barbecue

The off-Broadway non-profit Public Theater has announced a casting change for the world premiere of Barbecue, written by Robert O'Hara and directed by Kent Gash, which begins previews at the Public's Newman Theater on 22 September 2015, before an official opening on 8 October, and a limited run through to 1 November 2015.

Broadway alum Marc Damon Johnson replaces Tony nominee John Earl Jelks and joins previously announced cast members Becky Ann Baker, Arden Myrin, Paul Niebanck, Tamberla Perry, Constance Shulman, Heather Alicia Simms, Samantha Soule, Benja Kay Thomas and Kim Wayans.

Synopsis: "The O'Mallerys have gathered in their local park to share some barbecue and straight talk with their sister Barbara, whose spiral of drugs and recklessness has forced her siblings to stage an open-air intervention. But the event becomes raucous and unpredictable as familial stereotypes collide with hard realities, and racial politics slam up against the stories we tell - and maybe even believe - about who we were and who we become. Kent Gash directs this new play that proves family can be a bigger vice than any other addiction."

The creative team behind Barbecue has also been announced and features scenic design by Clint Ramos, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Jason Lyons, and original music and sound design by Lindsay Jones.

- by Tom Millward