Passing Strange
Passing Strange
Book and Lyrics by Stew
Music by Stew with Heidi Rodewald
Created in Collaboration with Annie Dorsen
April 17 – May 26, 2024
Directed by Rodney Hicks
Content Advisory:
Passing Strange contains adult themes & language, which includes scenes about sexual encounters and simulated drug use. Strobe lights, smoke/incense smell and theatrical haze are used. This show is recommended for mature teens and adults.
Can the Meaning of Life be Found in Art?
Get ready to embark on a thrilling musical journey with Passing Strange. This Tony Award-winning show, which inspired a Spike Lee movie, follows the life of a young Black musician, known as Youth, as he searches for his artistic and personal identity.
Set against the backdrop of the 1970s and 80s, the story takes you on a wild ride from the gospel churches of South Central LA to the punk rock clubs of Amsterdam and Berlin – sex, drugs and rock ‘n' roll anyone? Filled with electrifying rock music, soulful ballads, and powerful storytelling, Passing Strange is a triumph of live theater.
You'll be swept up in Youth's quest to find himself, and you'll experience the ups and downs of his relationships. With themes of race, art, and rebellion, this show is as relevant today, if not more so, as it was when it first premiered on Broadway.
Don't miss your chance to see this groundbreaking revival production of a cult classic! Buy your tickets now and prepare to be moved, healed and inspired by Passing Strange. You won't be disappointed!
Passing Strange was originally commissioned, developed and produced by The Berkeley Repertory Theatre,
Tony Taccone, Artistic Director; Susan Medak, Managing Director; and The Public Theater, Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director; Mara Manus, Executive Director.
Passing Strange was originally produced on Broadway in February 2008 by The Shubert Organization, Elizabeth Ireland McCann, Bill Kenwright, Chase Mishkin, Barbara & Buddy Freitag, Broadway Across America, Emily Fisher Landau, Peter May, Boyett Ostar, Elie Hirschfeld/Jed Bernstein, Wendy Federman/Jackie Barlia Florin, Spring Sirkin/Ruth Hendel, Vasi Laurence/Pat Flicker Adiss, Joey Parnes
in association with The Public Theater and The Berkeley Repertory Theatre.
Passing Strange is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC. (www.broadwaylicensing.com)
NOTE TO AUDIENCE: The videotaping or audio and/or visual recording of this production is a violation of United States Copyright Law and an actionable federal offense.
PRESS
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
CREATIVE TEAM
Director: Rodney Hicks
Music Director: Kennedy Verrett
Choreographer: Muffie Delgado Connelly
Stage Manager: Kimberly Harding
Assistant to the Director and Dramaturg: Kathryn Hasson+
Assistant Choreographer: Jasmyn Tilford^
Scenic Designer: Gisela Estrada
Costume Designer: Wanda Walden
Lighting Designer: Diane Ferry Williams
Sound Designer: Saibi Khalsa
Costume Assistant: Maia Denzler^
Video Creation: Tamera Lyn^
Dialect Coach: Eliza Jane Schneider
Cultural Competency Consultant: Keela Johnson
Director of Production: Thyra Hartshorn
Head Carpenter: Ryann St Julien
Head Electrician: Allison Blaine
Asst Head Electrician: Zach Barbour
Properties Coordinator/Design Apprentice: Dylan Nebeker+
Production Intern & Captions: Naama Brown
Production Run Crew: Kathryn Hasson+, Monika M. Milani+, Brandi Borchers, & Ryann St Julien
CAST
Stew: Jasonica Moore
Youth: Charles Grant*^
Mother: LaRhonda Steele
Terry, Reverend Jones, & others: Jelani Kee*
Sherry, Desi, & others: Lauren Steele*
Mr. Franklin, Mr. Venus, & others: Delphon “DJ” Curtis Jr.*^
Edwina, Marianna, & others: Andrea Vernae*^
U/S Stew, U/S Mother: Rae Davis
U/S Youth,
U/S Terry, Reverend Jones, & others,
U/S Mr. Franklin, Mr. Venus, & others: Anthony Michael Shepard^
U/S Sherry, Desi, & others
U/S Edwina, Marianna, & others: Jasmyn Tilford^
MUSICIANS
Heidi, Keyboard & Conductor: Kennedy Verrett
Bass & Vocals: Pierre Carbuccia Abbott
Percussion: Zanny Geffel
Guitar: Daysmel (AKA Dice) Muniz
Appears as courtesy of Actor's Equity
Portland Playhouse Apprentice Company Member
Former Portland Playhouse Apprentice Company Member
~ United Scenic Artists
RUN TIME: Approx. 2 hours and 15 minutes with a 15 minute intermission
Interested in Getting Involved?
We are always looking for volunteers as well as apprentices, crew members and corporate partnerships.
