Manhattan Theatre Club has announced a key casting change ahead of the Broadway world premiere of The Balusters. Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose has joined the production, replacing Renée Elise Goldsberry, who has stepped away due to scheduling conflicts.
Written by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire, The Balusters is set to begin previews on March 31 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, with an official opening night scheduled for April 21. The production is directed by Tony winner Kenny Leon.
Rose, best known for her Tony-winning performance in Caroline, or Change and her role in Dreamgirls, will take on the role of Kyra Marshall. Goldsberry was previously announced as part of the cast but was forced to exit the project because of prior commitments.
Ensemble cast and creative team
The Broadway premiere boasts an extensive ensemble cast, including Marylouise Burke as Penny Bewell, Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Brooks Duncan, Margaret Colin as Ruth Ackerman, Richard Thomas as Elliott Emerson, Kayli Carter as Willow Gibbons, Ricardo Chavira as Isaac Rosario, Michael Esper as Alan Kirby, Maria-Christina Oliveras as Luz Baccay, and Jeena Yi as Melissa Han.
Casting for the production is handled by Kelly Gillespie of Caparelliotis Casting.
The play centers on a seemingly quiet small-town neighborhood association that finds itself embroiled in unexpected conflict over a proposed change: the installation of a stop sign on one of the area’s most peaceful streets.
The creative team includes scenic designer Derek McLane, costume designer Emilio Sosa, lighting designer Allen Lee Hughes, and composer and sound designer Dan Moses Schreier. Fight direction is by Thomas Schall, with vocal coaching from Deborah Hecht. Tripp Phillips will serve as production stage manager.
With its mix of sharp writing and a celebrated cast, The Balusters marks one of Manhattan Theatre Club’s most anticipated Broadway premieres of the season.
