The cast of The Public Theater's upcoming Off-Broadway bow of Jordan E. Cooper (Ain't No Mo)'s Oh Happy Day! is shaping up.
Joining previously announced Cooper as Keyshawn will be Tamika Lawrence as Niecy, Tiffany Mann as Holy Divine, Sheléa Melody McDonald as Mighty Divine, Latrice Pace as Glory Divine, and Keith Randolph Smith as Lewis, along with understudies Jayna Elise, Brian D. Coats, and Cole Taylor. Cooper, Lawrence, and Pace are reprising their performances from the work's 2024 world premiere at Baltimore Center Stage.
The new work is set to play the Off-Broadway company's Martinson Hall October 2-November 2 with Stevie Walker-Webb directing. Opening night will be October 15.
The work reimagines the Biblical story of Noah's Ark, reset to begin at a birthday barbecue in Laurel, Mississippi, and featuring original music by gospel icon Donald Lawrence.
“It feels so good to be back home at The Public for the first time after premiering Ain’t No Mo’,” says Cooper in a statement. “There’s no other roof I’d rather be under to build this story. This world and its characters have been living with me for a long time, and I’m excited to share them with New York audiences. It’s an honor to be working with Stevie, Donald Lawrence, and this insane cast of storytellers. I’ll be surprised if that roof remains intact once they get done.”
“I'm excited to be coming back to The Public; it feels like a homecoming,” adds Walker-Webb, who is reuniting with Cooper after helming his Ain't No Mo' at the Public and on Broadway. “It's a theatre that has championed ambitious, brave work, and where I was able to establish myself as an artist. Audiences can expect the same profound, raucous electricity that happens whenever Jordan and I collaborate!”
The production will feature scenic design by Luciana Stecconi, costume design by Qween Jean, lighting design by Adam Honoré, sound design by Taylor J. Williams, prop management by Samantha Llanes Gordon, choreography by Eboni Nichols, and dramaturgy by Jack Phillips Moore. Jakob W. Plummer will serve as production stage manager with Monet Thibou as stage manager.
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