'Jaja's African Hair Braiding' sets full Broadway cast
The new comedy play by Jocelyn Bioh, in her Broadway writing debut, will begin performances September 12 at Manhattan Theatre Club's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
Welcome to the salon, everyone! Manhattan Theatre Club has set the full cast for its production of Jocelyn Bioh's Jaja's African Hair Braiding on Broadway. The world-premiere play will begin performances September 12 ahead of an October 3 opening night at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
The complete cast includes Brittany Adebumola, Maechi Aharanwa, Rachel Christopher, Kalyne Coleman, Somi Kakoma, Lakisha May, Nana Mensah, Michael Oloyede, Dominique Thorne, and Zenzi Williams.
The creative team, led by Obie Award-winning director Whitney White in her Broadway debut, includes set designer David Zinn, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Jiyoun Chang, sound designer and composer Justin Ellington, video designer Stefania Bulbarella, hair and wig designer Nikiya Mathis, and dialect and vocal coach Dawn-Elin Fraser.
Jaja's African Hair Braiding takes place at the title Harlem salon on one sweltering summer day. As its staff of West African immigrant women do hair and talk about love, hopes, and dreams, they also reckon with the ever-growing sense of becoming outsiders in the neighborhood they've always called home.
Bioh makes her Broadway playwriting debut with Jaja's African Hair Braiding. She is best known for her Drama Desk Award-winning School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play and her Shakespeare in the Park adaptation of Merry Wives.
Photo credit: (left to right, from top) Brittany Adebumola, Maechi Aharanwa, Rachel Christopher, Kalyne Coleman, Somi Kakoma, Lakisha May, Nana Mensah, Michael Oloyede, Dominique Thorne, and Zenzi Williams. (Photos courtesy of production)
Frequently asked questions
What is Jaja's African Hair Braiding on Broadway about?
Obie Award-winning playwright Jocelyn Bioh makes her Broadway debut with this new comedy. During one hot day at the title salon, a group of women grapple with the changing identity of their neighborhood and themselves. Book your own salon appointment by getting tickets.
Where is Jaja's African Hair Braiding on Broadway playing?
Jaja's African Hair Braiding on Broadway is playing at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The theatre is located at 261 West 47th Street, New York, 10036.
How long is Jaja's African Hair Braiding on Broadway?
The running time of Jaja's African Hair Braiding on Broadway is 1h 30m
How do you book tickets for Jaja's African Hair Braiding on Broadway?
Book tickets for Jaja's African Hair Braiding on Broadway on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote Jaja's African Hair Braiding?
Jocelyn Bioh, the award-winning author of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, wrote Jaja's African Hair Braiding. The show marks her Broadway debut as a playwright.
Who directed Jaja's African Hair Braiding?
Whitney White directs Jaja's African Hair Braiding, which marks her Broadway debut. She previously won an Obie Award for staging Our Dear Dead Drug Lord off Broadway.
Is Jaja's African Hair Braiding appropriate for kids?
Jaja's African Hair Braiding is recommended for ages 16 and older. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
Is Jaja's African Hair Braiding good?
Yes — Jaja's African Hair Braiding, in the capable hands of its award-winning playwright and director, tells a poignant, funny, and lively story about community among Black women.
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