New Federal Theatre officially opens The World According to Micki Grant Off-Broadway at WP Theater June 6 after beginning previews May 31. Performances will continue through June 29. The biomusical, which explores the life and work of multihyphenate artist Grant, is compiled, adapted, and directed by Nora Cole.
The cast features Matelyn Alicia, April Armstrong, Patrice Bell, and Brian Davis. Alicia, Armstrong, and Bell perform the verse-and-music project as Micki the composer, Micki the poet, and Micki the woman, while Davis' character embodies the male figures from Grant's works.
The World According to Micki Grant was commissioned by New Federal Theatre after Grant's death in 2021. Grant worked as a songwriter, poet, lyricist, and writer during her lifetime, and was the first Black woman to solo write the book, music, and lyrics for a Broadway musical with Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope.
Grant received Tony nominations for the musical's book and score, and also was the first female composer to win a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. She later contributed songs to Your Arms Too Short to Box With God and Working, the latter of which earned her a third Tony nomination.
The World According to Micki Grant includes pieces from her musicals, poetry, and prose, as well as rare and unpublished works.
The creative team includes music director Tom Spahn, choreographer Lakai Worrell, set designer and technical director Patrice Davidson, lighting designer Victor En Yu Tan, costume designer Ali Turns, sound designer Aalics Bronson, projections designer Michele Baldwin, production stage manager Fumiko Tanaka, and assistant stage manager Caitlyn Deffely. Properties are by Marlon Campell, and casting is by Lawrence Evans.
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