Chilina Kennedy is currently sitting out of Paradise Square previews following a COVID-19 diagnosis. Out since March 24, the Broadway favorite is expected to return to the new musical April 2. Understudy Kennedy Caughell is filling in as Annie Lewis during Kennedy's absence.
"I have been out of @paradisesquarebway because I have COVID. I am already feeling much better and am returning April 2," wrote Kennedy on Instagram. "Mine has been the only positive case in our company in over seven months. The show has provided a very safe environment and I feel incredible well taken care of by my friends, family, and co-workers."
Paradise Square began previews March 15 at Broadway's Ethel Barrymore Theatre. It officially opens April 3. With direction by Moisés Kaufman and choreography by Tony winner Bill T. Jones, the show takes place during the Civil War and tells the story of Irish immigrants and Black Americans sharing their cultures. Kennedy will originate her role as the Irish barkeep on the Broadway stage, following Madeline Trumble's portrayal during its 2019 Berkeley Repertory Theatre run.
READ: Paradise Square Begins Previews On Broadway March 15
Joining Kennedy in the 40-member cast is Tony nominee Joaquina Kalukango (Slave Play), Tony nominee John Dossett (Gypsy), Matt Bogart (Smokey Joe’s Café), Kevin Dennis (Assassins), Nathaniel Stampley (Porgy & Bess), A.J. Shively (Bright Star), Sidney DuPont (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Gabrielle McClinton (Pippin), and Jacob Fishel (Fiddler on the Roof).
It features musical staging by Alex Sanchez; music supervision, direction, and orchestrations by Howland; scenic design by Allen Moyer; costume design by Toni-Leslie James; lighting design by Donald Holder; sound design by Jon Weston; projection design by Wendall K. Harrington and Shawn Edward Boyle; special effects by Gregory Meeh; hair and wig design by Matthew B. Armentrout, arrangements by Howland and Larry Kirwan; dramaturgy by Thulani Davis and Sydné Mahone; and Irish and Hammerstep choreography by Garrett Coleman and Jason Oremus.
For more information, visit ParadiseSquareMusical.com.
