Roundabout Theatre Company has moved its theatrical season, including “Caroline, or Change,” to spring 2021.
“Birthday Candles” starring Debra Messing, has been moved to fall 2021. In addition to its existing lineup, Roundabout Theatre Company will produce the Broadway premiere of Alice Childress’s “Trouble in Mind,” directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, at the American Airlines Theatre in late 2021 or early 2022.
The nonprofit organization had previously planned to open its 2019-2020 Broadway productions this fall.
“With the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic and with concern for our artists, staff, and audiences, we have determined that we will not be able to reopen our theaters this fall,” Roundabout Artistic Director Todd Haimes said in a press release. “While this decision brings tremendous financial challenges—and is genuinely heartbreaking—our artistic team is continuing to build and evolve our work for the future.”
Several other productions, including “American Buffalo,” “The Minutes,” “The Music Man” and “Flying Over Sunset”, have recently announced rescheduled spring openings. The Broadway League is expected to soon make an announcement on closures through Jan. 3.
“1776,” directed by Diane Paulus, remains scheduled to open in spring 2021 at the American Airlines Theatre.
“Trouble in Mind” originally premiered off-Broadway in 1955. Childress’s play follows a Black actress in rehearsals for a Broadway production and examines racism and ego in the theater world. It’s a play that Roundabout calls “prescient,” as members of the theatrical community have recently spoken to racism they’ve experienced in the industry and called for change.
“Caroline, or Change,” starring Sharon D. Clarke and directed by Michael Longhurst, is still set to play Studio 54.
Roundabout’s Off-Broadway production “…what the end will be” and the Roundabout Underground production “Exception to the Rule” have also been moved to spring 2021.
