Kicking off their 2024/25 season, Baltimore Center Stage will present the world premiere of “OH HAPPY DAY!” from Sept. 19 through Oct. 13.
Written by and starring two-time Tony nominee Jordan E. Cooper, the play is a new take on the story of “Noah’s Ark.” But for the family at the center of this piece, a looming flood is the least of their troubles.
The play is set in Laurel, Mississippi, during a barbecue birthday party for family patriarch Lewis (played by James T. Alfred), where his estranged son Keyshawn (played by Cooper) makes a surprise appearance. Family secrets find their way to light and upend everything.
Cooper and Baltimore Center Stage Artistic Director Stevie Walker-Webb last worked together on Cooper’s first play, “Ain’t No Mo’,” on Broadway.
“It’s incredible that BCS will be the home to the world premiere of OH HAPPY DAY!, written by my good friend, Jordan E. Cooper,” Walker-Webb said in a statement. “Audiences should come to see this hilarious new play, featuring new music by the iconic Donald Lawrence, to be entertained and uplifted and to see things familiar and wholly unexpected.”
The production contains original songs by Donald Lawrence, the creative mind behind Grammy Award-nominated songs “The Blessing of Abraham” and “Encourage Yourself.” Lawrence has collaborated with Mary J. Blige, worked as musical director for Broadway star Stephanie Mills, served as vocal coach to the R&B group En Vogue, and earned several accolades.
Cooper was featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list this year. He also co-created, executive produces and directs the Emmy-nominated and critically acclaimed “The Ms. Pat Show.”
Audiences can purchase tickets online at centerstage.org, by calling 410-332-0033, or by visiting Baltimore Center Stage’s box office at 700 N. Calvert St.
Primetime Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe will host the Community Night performance on Sept. 20. On that night, tickets cost only $5 with the promo code BCSCOMMUNITYNIGHTS.
Other cast members of “OH HAPPY DAY!” include Tamika Lawrence as “Niecy,” Justin Sturgis as “Kevin,” and Latrice Pace, Courtney Monet and Tiya Askia as “The Divines.”
The creative team includes Walker-Webb as Director, Antwan Hawkins (aka Greeyo) as Assistant Director, Daniel Rudin as Music Director, Charlique C. Rolle as Choreographer, Luciana Stecconi as Scenic Designer, Celeste Jennings as Costume Designer, Adam Honore as Lighting Designer, Taylor J. Williams as Sound Designer, Jack Golden as Assistant Scenic Designer, Channing Tucker as Assistant Costume Designer, Shannon Clarke as Associate Lighting Designer, Jakob Plummer as Production Stage Manager, Monet Tibou as Assistant Stage Manager, and Sharon Zheng as Production Assistant.
