Paradise Square returned to the Broadway stage April 19 after a COVID-related hiatus that began April 7. The new musical is currently playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, with a 40-member cast led by Joaquina Kalukango.
At the return performance's curtain call, Kalukango thanked the audience. "It is so amazing and wonderful to see all of your faces here tonight. We thank you so much for being with us," says the lead actor. The performer went on to recognize the show's new swings and understudies, welcoming Brian Cali, Jeremy Crittenden, and Yasmeen Suleiman.
Kalukango adds, "We thank you all. It means so much that we get to tell this original story about New York, and that you all support this story. We love you, thank you." Watch the full speech above.
The show is directed by Moisés Kaufman and choreographed by Tony winner Bill T. Jones, it opened on Broadway April 3. The musical takes place during the Civil War and follows a group of Irish immigrants and Black Americans fighting for a similar cause. A forthcoming cast recording was recently announced with a digital release expected in May.
The cast includes Chilina Kennedy, Tony nominee John Dossett, Matt Bogart, Kevin Dennis, Nathaniel Stampley, A.J. Shively, Sidney DuPont, Gabrielle McClinton, and Jacob Fishel. The work was conceived by Black 47 frontman Larry Kirwan. Christina Anderson, Craig Lucas, and Kirwan penned the musical's book to a score with music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Masi Asare, and additional music by Kirwan.
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