Readings and WorkshopsOrange Is the New Black'sUzo Aduba Stars in Secret Life of Bees Musical Workshop, Beginning July 27The musical, part of the 2017 Powerhouse Theater season, is penned by Lynn Nottage, Duncan Sheik, and Susan Birkenhead.
By
Andrew Gans
July 27, 2017
Uzo Aduba
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Emmy winner Uzo Aduba, best known for her work on the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, stars in a workshop of the new musical The Secret Life of Bees beginning July 27.
As part of the 2017 Powerhouse Theater season from Vassar College and New York Stage and Film, the developmental presentation plays Arlington, New York's Martel Theater through July 30. Tony winner Sam Gold directs.
Aduba plays Rosaleen in a cast that also includes Sophia Anne Caruso (Lazarus), Allison Blackwell, Ben Davis, Eisa Davis, Rory Donovan, Odiseas Georgiadis, Kecia Lewis, Peter Matthew Smith, and Akron Watson.
The Secret Life of Bees, based on Sue Monk Kidd's 2004 novel of the same name, features a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynne Nottage, music by Tony winner Duncan Sheik, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead.
Aduba was last seen on Broadway in the revival of Godspell. In 2015, she appeared as Glinda in NBC's The Wiz Live!.
Set in 1964 South Carolina, the musical concerns restless white teenager Lily Owens, who is coping with the loss of her mother and dealing with her controlling father. She forms a connection with Rosaleen, her Black caretaker, after she is beaten and jailed for attempting to vote. “Lily’s rebellious spirit is awakened and she and Rosaleen escape their circumstances on an adventure, to find the truth about her mother’s death,” read production notes. “One portentous clue leads them to a colorful bee farm run by three eccentric and spiritual Black sisters, whose wisdom, warmth and motherly love help both Lily and Rosaleen grow and heal.”
The Powerhouse Theater season continues through July 30 with the mainstage production of Good Men Wanted and the “Inside Look” workshop of The Homecoming Queen. Click here for details.
The Fred Ebb Award recognizes excellence in musical theatre songwriting, by a songwriter or songwriting team that has not yet achieved significant commercial success.
