Cremorne Theatre, QPAC


15 - 18 Mar 2023
$49

A transaction fee of $7.20 applies.

Discounts Available

Schools

1 hour 40 minutes

(no interval, subject to change without notice)

Soaring coming-of-age drama

Direct from its Australian premiere in Sydney, the highly acclaimed play Choir Boy by Academy Award-winning writer Tarell Alvin McCraney, is a moving story of sexuality, race, hope and a young gay man finding his voice.

Determined to make his mark, Pharus Young is hell-bent on being the best choir leader in the 50-year history of Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys. In a world built on dusty rites and rituals, how can he maintain his shine while trying to conform to masculine expectations and gain the respect of the choristers he leads?

With its uplifting music and electrifying dance routines, Choir Boy will inspire you to raise your voice and cheer as one student boldly stands up to the traditions that seek to silence him!

Directors Dino Dimitriadis and Zindzi Okenyo lead a sensational Australian and International cast to present Tarell Alvin McCraney’s delicate, brutal script with Music Direction by Allen René Louis.

Threaded with soul-stirring a cappella tones, Choir Boy blends the language of high school hallways with the soulful sounds of gospel music for an unforgettable night at the theatre.

Don’t miss this soaring, Tony Award nominated musical drama when it comes to QPAC for a strictly limited season.

AWARDS: 
Tony Award® nomination for Best Play
Tony Award® Special Award winner for Outstanding Vocal Arrangements
Tony Award® winner for Best Sound Design of a Play
Drama Desk Award winner for Outstanding Music in a Play

Missed out on this interview about Choir Boy?
Check out the amazing cast Darron Hayes and showbiz royalty Tony Sheldon chatting on TODAY Extra about the Australian Premiere of Choir Boy. Tony Sheldon came out of retirement to be part of this show!


Cast

Darron Hayes (Choir Boy, Denver Center for the Performing Arts)

Pharus Jonathan Young

Robert Harrell (The Shield)

Headmaster Marrow

Gareth Dutlow

Junior “Jr” Davis

Theo Williams (Passing Strange)

David Heard

Quinton Rofail Rich (Godspell)

Anthony Justin “AJ” James

Zarif (Lonesome)

Robert “Bobby” Marrow

Tony Sheldon (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert)

Mr Pendleton

Tawanda Muzenda

Swing


Creatives

Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight)

Playwright

Dino Dimitriadis (Overflow, Cleansed)

Director

Zindzi Okenyo (seven methods of killing kylie jenner, Orange Thrower)

Director

Allen René Louis (Broadway Inspirational Voices)

Musical Director

Tarik Frimpong (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, UK Tour)

Choreographer

Zara Stanton (HMS Pinafore, Bonnie and Clyde)

Assistant Musical Director


Choir Boy delivers in every single way.

- Time Out

Compelling, heart warming and reflective of how far we have come–and how far there is to go.

- Limelight Magazine

History and secret histories, the things that free us and the things that tie us to the past are all examined in this exhilarating, multi-layered new play.

- The Guardian

Tarell Alvin McCraney's coming-of-age drama CHOIR BOY sings out spiritual nourishment.

- Broadway World

Education Notes [PDF 1736 KB]

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Important Information

Age Recommendation

Recommended for ages 16+.

Warning

This production includes violence, coarse and racial language, haze and strobe lighting.

Accessibility at QPAC

For wheelchair users, Companion Card holders or those requiring assistance, dedicated seating options are available, and bookings can be made through our Call Centre by calling 136 246. You can also find information on access and accessibility at QPAC here .

Presented by QPAC
Choir Boy by Tarell Alvin McCraney
A production by Riverside's National Theatre of Parramatta