'Paradise Square' announces full Broadway cast

The new musical begins performances March 15.

The new musical Paradise Square has announced its full Broadway cast. After completing a pre-Broadway run in Chicago, the new musical is beginning Broadway performances March 15 at the Barrymore Theatre. Opening night is April 3.

The principal cast includes Tony Award nominee Joaquina Kalukango, Chilina Kennedy, Tony Award nominee John Dossett, Sidney DuPont, A.J. Shively, Nathaniel Stampley, Gabrielle McClinton, Jacob Fishel, Kevin Dennis, and Matt Bogart. Aisha Jackson is the standby for Kalukango. All the principal cast members appeared in Paradise Square in Chicago.

The rest of the cast includes Garrett Coleman, Jason Oremus, Colin Barkell, Karen Burthwright, Kennedy Caughell, Dwayne Clark, Conor Coleman, Eric Craig, Colin Cunliffe, Chloe Davis, Josh Davis, Bernard Dotson, Jamal Christopher Douglas, Camille Eanga-Selenge, Sam Edgerly, Shiloh Goodin, Sean Jenness, Joshua Keith, Jay McKenzie, Ben Michael, Kayla Pecchioni, Eilis Quinn, Lee Siegel, Erica Spyres, Lael van Keuren, Sir Brock Warren, Alan Wiggins, Kristen Beth Williams, and Hailee Kaleem Wright.

Paradise Square takes place in 1863 in the Five Points neighborhood of Manhattan, where free Black people and Irish immigrants lived in harmony alongside each other. At the titular saloon, Five Points residents of both races came together to drink, debate, and dance. But when President Lincoln instituted the first draft and the NY Draft Riots broke out in July 1863, tensions rose and the harmony between the races came undone. The musical follows the patrons of Paradise Square as they clash over their views on America.

Paradise Square features a book by Christina Anderson, Craig Lucas, and Larry Kirwan; music by Jason Howland; lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Masi Asare; and additional music by Kirwan, partly inspired by the songs of Stephen Foster. Two-time Tony Award nominee Moisés Kaufman directs, and choreography is by Bill T. Jones, who is currently represented off Broadway with Black No More.

The creative team also includes scenic designer Allen Moyer, costume designer Toni-Leslie James, lighting designer Donald Holder, sound designer Jon Weston, projection designer Wendall K. Harrington, and dramaturgs Thulani Davis and Sydné Mahone. 

Check back for information on Paradise Square tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

^{Photo credit: Kevin Berne}