Whoopi Goldberg's one-woman Broadway production, "The Whoopi Monologues," is returning to the stage at Lincoln Center in New York.
The revival marks a significant shift for the production, transforming a solo performance into a collaborative ensemble piece. By reimagining the format, the production brings a new perspective to a work that originally challenged the restrictive casting norms of the 1980s.
Kerry Washington will lead the new production as the primary actor. She is joined by a cast of five [2], which includes Dominique Fishback, Kecia Lewis, Danielle Pinnock, and Kara Young.
Goldberg originally created the show after facing repeated industry feedback that she did not fit specific roles. She wrote the monologues to forge her own path in the entertainment industry and establish her own voice on the stage.
This production marks the first time the show has returned to the stage since its original debut in 1984 [1]. While the original version was a singular exploration of Goldberg's experiences, the new version utilizes a diverse cast to interpret the material.
The return to Lincoln Center signals a homecoming for the material in the city where Goldberg first gained theatrical prominence. The production aims to bridge the gap between the original 1984 [1] vision and the contemporary theatrical landscape.
“Whoopi Goldberg's one-woman Broadway production, "The Whoopi Monologues," is returning to the stage”
The transition of 'The Whoopi Monologues' from a solo act to a five-person ensemble reflects a broader trend in theater where legacy works are updated to be more inclusive and collaborative. By casting Kerry Washington and other prominent Black actresses, the production expands the narrative from a personal memoir into a collective commentary on identity and performance in the US arts scene.
