The long-running Encores series at New York City Center returns with three musicals slated for Spring 2022. Encores is a Tony-honored concert series, begun in 1994, that revives rarely heard and otherwise worthy American musicals.
The Encores selections upcoming are:
THE TAP DANCE KID, Feb 2 – 6, 2022, featuring Dulé Hill. With music Henry Krieger, lyrics by Robert Lorick and book by Charles Blackwell, The Tap Dance Kid was nominated for seven Tony Awards (including Best Musical) and follows the story of an upper-middle-class Black family and a 10-year-old’s dream of becoming a professional tap dancer despite the challenges posed by his lawyer father and society. Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun) leads this revival, with choreographer Jared Grimes (After Midnight) and concert adaptation by Lydia Diamond (Stick Fly).
THE LIFE, Mar 16 – 20, 2022, featuring Chuck Cooper (Old JoJo), Mykal Kilgore (Young JoJo), Ledisi (Sonja), and Ken Robinson (Fleetwood). The Life dramatizes the complex lives in post-disco Times Square and tells the story of Queen, a prostitute who strives for a better life against all oppressive forces. Music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Ira Gasman and book by David Newman and Gassman will again come to life through Billy Porter (FX’s Pose, Kinky Boots) adaptation and direction.
INTO THE WOODS, May 4 – 15, 2022 featuring Sara Bareilles (Baker’s Wife), Christian Borle (Baker), Heather Headley (Witch) and Ashley Park (Cinderella).
The Stephen Sondheim-James Lapine classic, Into the Woods, is a fable about how humans pursue their desires, and what happens when they set aside their individual wishes to create a greater community wish. Directed by Encores! Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, this production brings together Broadway stars with a multi-generational group including New York City public school students.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public August 23. Audience members will need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon entrance. Visit NYCityCenter.org for more information.
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