'Goddess' sets Off-Broadway cast

The new musical inspired by African mythology will make its New York premiere at The Public Theater this spring, running for a limited time starting in April.

The Public Theater has announced casting for its Off-Broadway production of the new musical Goddess. Performances run from April 29 to June 1, and opening night is May 20.

The Goddess Off-Broadway cast includes Nick Rashad Burroughs as Ahmed, Melessie Clark as Mosi, Amber Iman as Nadira, Arica Jackson as Rashida, J Paul Nicholas as Hassan, Teshomech Olenja as Tisa, Destinee Rea as Cheche, Awa Sal Secka as Zawadi, Austin Scott as Omari, and Reggie White as Balozi.

Isio-Maya Nuwere, Quiantae Thomas, and Wade Watson perform in the ensemble.

Additionally, Goddess will feature music and lyrics by Michael Thurber, a book by Jocelyn Bioh, choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie, scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado, costume design by Dede Ayite, lighting design by Bradley King, and sound design by Nevin Steinberg.

Conceived and directed by Saheem Ali, Goddess is inspired by the myth of Marimba, an African goddess of music. When mysterious singer arrives at Moto Moto, an Afro-jazz club in Mombasa, Kenya, she upends the future plans of a man who has returned home from studying in America.

Goddess made its world premiere in Berkeley, California, in 2022. Clark, Iman, Nuwere, Rea, Secka, Thomas, Watson, and White reprise their roles from that production.

Check back for information on Goddess tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

Photo credit: Amber Iman, Nick Rashad Burroughs, and Austin Scott. (Photos courtesy of production)