Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré will present Choir Boy, written by Tarell Alvin McCraney, from June 16-26. Rescheduled from January 2022 the play is a 2019 Tony Award nominee for Best Play. McCraney won the 2017 Academy Award for his adapted screenplay of the film Moonlight.

In the soaring, music-filled Choir Boy, the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys is dedicated to the creation of strong, ethical black men. Pharus wants nothing more than to take his rightful place as leader of the school’s legendary gospel choir. Can he find his way inside the hallowed halls of this institution if he sings in his own key? 

The New York Times writes, “The sweet harmonies of classic spirituals unite the sometimes fractious voices of the young men in Choir Boy …but when they raise their voices in unison, they offer a glimpse of a world in which the cruelty that can divide and destroy is dissolved in a graceful, embracing order. [An] affecting and honest portrait…of a gay youth tentatively beginning to find the courage to let the truth about himself become known.”

The show will be staged Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 16, is a preview performance. Single tickets are $35-$65 with all tier 2 and3 seats are $25. Student tickets are $15. The official opening is Friday, June 17. 

Choir Boy is directed by Nicholas Ashe (“Queen Sugar”). Music Direction is by Clif St.Laurent. The cast includes Averis Anderson as Pharus, LeBaron Thorton, Jeffrey Lackey, Rosha Washington, Joshua Griffin, Vincent Banks, and Nicholas Walker.

Le Petit participates in the Blue Star Families Program and offers 50 percent off tickets and subscriptions for active military personnel