Lela Rochon is among 10 actors added to the upcoming OWN drama David Makes Man from Tarell Alvin McCraney. Michael B. Jordan is an executive producer.

Phylicia Rashad leads the cast, which is toplined by relative newcomer Akili McDowell in the title role. Also cast are Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, Broadway actor Isaiah Johnson, Ade Chike Torbert, Jordan Bolger, Cayden K. Williams, Travis Coles and Alana Arenas. Ruben Santiago-Hudson will appear in a guest-starring role.

Dee Harris-Lawrence, who was a writer and co-executive producer on USA’s Unsolved and Fox’s Shots Fired, is the showrunner and will also executive produce alongside McCraney (who wrote this script), Jordan, Oprah, Mike Kelley and Melissa Loy.

Here’s the official description: David Makes Man centers on David (McDowell), a 14-year-old prodigy from the projects that is haunted by the death of his closest friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty. He must choose between the streets that raised him or the higher education that may offer him a way out. Set in South Florida, the lyrical drama, inspired by events in McCraney’s life, explores the inherent trauma sustained in the fight for survival.

Here are the recently-added actors and their roles:

· Lela Rochon will recur as Alma, Gloria’s estranged mother.

· Trace Lysette is Femi, a protective den mother to troubled adolescents.

· Liza Colon-Zayas plays Principal Fallow. She runs the magnet school that David, Seren and Marissa attend.

· Juanita Jennings is set to play the role of Mrs. Hertrude, the resident building manager.

· Lindsey Blackwell will play Marissa, David and Seren’s friend and classmate.

· Teshi Thomas is set to play Tare, a neighborhood girl who also lives in The Ville with David.

· Solomon Valdez will play Willie Derrick, an 11-year-old wanna-be dope dealer.

· Nick Creegan makes his television debut as Desmond, the second-in-command to Raynan’s uncle Teo.

· Kimaya Naomi makes her television introduction as Shella, a younger friend of Tare’s who also lives in The Ville.

· Logan Rozos also makes his television debut as Star Child, a quiet but direct boy who goes to live with Ms. Elijah.

 

Production on the show is underway in Orlando, and it is set to premiere in 2019.