Danai Gurira’s "Eclipsed" starring Lupita Nyong’o (her New York stage debut), directed by Obie Award winner Liesl Tommy, is heading to the grandest stage of all – Broadway, in 2016, at the John Golden Theatre in February, as reported on this blog last year.
After two extensions, thanks to ticket demand, "Eclipsed" concluded its run at the Public on November 29. Broadway performances will being on February 23, with an opening night planned for March 6.
Announced today, La La Anthony has joined the producing team of "Eclipsed" which will enjoy a 17-week limited run for its Broadway transfer, with the full cast of the Public Theater’s production expected to transfer with star Nyong’o.
“I am so thrilled to be joining a production filled with such powerful, talented women,” Anthony told Deadline. “Eclipsed is a stunning new play that demands to be seen, and to make my Broadway debut as a producer with it is an honor. I’m especially excited to join the production’s efforts to bring thousands of young women to see the show through its 10,000 Girls campaign. What an extraordinary opportunity to pave the way for the next generation of commanding young women.”
The 10,000 Girls campaign she mentions is an initiative with the goal to bring 10,000 girls to see "Eclipsed" on Broadway when it opens. These are girls from the Tri-State area between the ages of 16 to 24, who will most likely never get to experience a Broadway show. Learn more about the program at www.tenthousandgirls.com.
"Eclipsed" is set in 2003 near the end of the civil war in Liberia, and follows a group of women who are captives of rebels fighting the government.
Joining Nyong’o in the cast are Pascale Armand, Akosua Busia, Zainab Jah, and Saycon Sengbloh.
Tanya Steele saw the play a couple of weeks ago, while it was in previews, and shared her reactions to it here.
Get a first look at photos from the production below: