Jonathan Burke Takes Over Lead Role in Choir Boy — Final Two Weeks!

Jonathan Burke Photo by Drew Shade

Manhattan Theatre Club’s Broadway premiere of Choir Boy, by Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight, The Brother/Sister Plays, High Flying Bird) will begin its final two weeks of performances. After being extended twice, the play must close on Sunday, March 10.

PHOTOS: Opening Night of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Choir Boy on Broadway

Jeremy Pope departed the production on Sunday, February 24 to join the cast of Ain’t Too Proud — The Life and Times of The Temptations on Broadway. Jonathan Burke will take over the role of “Pharus Jonathan Young” for the remaining two weeks of the run. Ryan Jamaal Swain will join the cast as an ensemble member and Pharus cover.

For half a century, the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys has been dedicated to the education of strong, ethical black men. One talented student has been waiting for years to take his rightful place as the leader of the legendary gospel choir. But can he make his way through the hallowed halls of this institution if he sings in his own key?

So the cast now features Nicholas L. Ashe (Junior Blake), Daniel Bellomy (Ensemble), Jonathan Burke (Pharus Jonathan Young), Gerald Caesar(Ensemble), John Clay III (Anthony Justin “AJ” James), Chuck Cooper (Headmaster Marrow), Caleb Eberhardt (David Heard), Marcus Gladney (Ensemble), J. Quinton Johnson (Bobby Marrow), Austin Pendleton (Mr. Pendleton) and Ryan Jamaal Swain (Ensemble).

Choir Boy marks Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Broadway debut as well as the second production that transfers to Broadway following a premiere at MTC’s The Studio at Stage II – Harold and Mimi Steinberg New Play Series, where it debuted in the summer of 2013 to rave reviews and sold-out audiences, also extending twice during its run.