New York Theatre Workshop has announced the full cast for the world premiere of the highly anticipated new musical, Saturday Church.
With previews commencing on August 27, 2025, the production is set to officially open on September 15, 2025, and will run for a limited engagement until October 12, 2025.
Directed by Tony Award nominee Whitney White, known for her work on Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, Saturday Church brings together an impressive creative team.
The musical features a book with additional lyrics by Emmy Award nominee Damon Cardasis and Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames, with music and lyrics by pop icon Sia and additional music from Grammy Award winner Honey Dijon.
The casting process has revealed notable talents including “The Voice” 2025 Contender Bryson Battle, along with Tony Award winners J. Harrison Ghee and Joaquina Kalukango.
B Noel Thomas will take on the role of Ebony, a character originally intended for Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, who will now transition into a creative consultant and producer role due to scheduling conflicts.
Rodriguez expressed her excitement about contributing to the musical in a new capacity: “I’m thrilled to step into a producing role on this powerhouse new musical.
It’s been an incredible journey to help tell this story in multiple forms over the years, and I’m honored to help shepherd this fiercely talented cast as they take the stage.”
The cast is further enriched by the addition of Anania, Primo Thee Ballerino, Veyonce Deleon, Dava Huesca, Kristolyn Lloyd, Kareem Marsh, Jackson Kanawha Perry, Caleb Quezon, and Wade Watson.
Additionally, Fernell Hogan, Michael Samarie George, and J’Quay Gibbs will serve as swings for the production.
A well-rounded creative team will support Saturday Church, including Darius Thomas as hair and wig designer, Rachel Christopher as vocal coach, Dave Anzuelo/Unkle Dave’s Fighthouse as fight choreographer, and Kelsey Rainwater as intimacy coordinator.
In an exciting development, two tracks from Saturday Church will be released on June 27, 2025, by Saturday Church and Joy Machine Records.
The EP titled “Are There Any Queens In The House?” will feature songs such as “Are There Any Queens In The House?” featuring J. Harrison Ghee and “Sunday” showcasing the voices of the cast.
This EP, produced by a talented team including Luke Solomon, Jason Michael Webb, Honey Dijon, Chris Penny, and Sia, will be available for streaming on all platforms, along with exclusive vinyl versions for collectors.
The musical centers around the story of Ulysses, a New York City young man who is devoted to his family and is the outstanding tenor at his aunt’s church.
His life takes a transformative turn when a subway encounter introduces him to Saturday Church, a sanctuary that caters to LGBTQ+ youth.
Caught between his responsibilities to family and his emerging identity, Ulysses embarks on a journey to find acceptance for himself and others amidst the vibrant themes of love and faith.
Saturday Church aims to explore the profound power of faith, raising compelling questions about the intersection of faith and identity, especially within LGBTQ+ communities.
The soulful score blends gospel’s transcendence with the pulsating energy of house music and pop elements, promising an electrifying experience for theatergoers.
Music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements will be handled by Special Tony Award Recipient Jason Michael Webb and Grammy Award winner Luke Solomon, while choreography will be under the expert guidance of Obie Award winner Darrell Grand Moultrie.
Inspired by the film of the same name, which was also written and directed by Cardasis, Saturday Church encapsulates the essence of liberation and vibrant self-expression.
The design team comprises scenic designer David Zinn, costume designer Qween Jean, lighting designer Adam Honoré, and sound designer Gareth Owen.
Music direction will be led by Deah Love Harriot, with music production focused by Grammy Award winner Chris Penny.
Nicholas Petrovich and Erica Hart are handling the casting, while Jhanaë K-C Bonnick serves as the stage manager for this exciting new musical experience.
image source from：broadwayworld
