The Whoopi Monologues: A Super Simple Guide for Beginners

What Is This Show? (Explained Like You’re 5)

Imagine a play where people stand on stage and talk all by themselves—that’s called a monologue. A new show called The Whoopi Monologues had its very first night (we call it opening night) on July 13.

It is playing at a theater named Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, which is part of Lincoln Center Theater in New York City. Because it’s not in the giant famous "Broadway" theaters, we call it an Off-Broadway show—think of it as a smaller, cozy cousin of the big spectacles, but still made by pros.

When Can You See It?

• The show started July 13 and continues through August 30.
• The person in charge of how the show looks and flows (the director) is Whitney White, who also worked on a show called Liberation.

Who Is Performing?

Five main actors are in the spotlight:

• Kerry Washington
• Kara Young
• Kecia Lewis
• Dominique Fishback
• Danielle Pinnock

They are doing something special: they are recreating (acting out again) solo speeches that were written and first performed by the legendary Whoopi Goldberg.

Backup actors: If a main actor can’t go on stage, these understudies (like substitutes in a game) step in: Kai Heath, Denise Manning, and Pavar Snipe.

Where Did These Monologues Come From?

Whoopi Goldberg is a very famous performer. She did two solo shows (just her, talking as different characters) in the past:

1. 1983 – a Broadway show simply called Whoopi Goldberg.
2. 2004 – a follow-up show called Whoopi.

The new Off-Broadway production uses those old speeches and brings them back to life.

What Are the Critics Saying?

A critic is a person whose job is to watch a show and then write what they liked or didn’t like. The reviews (their written opinions) are already out!

Important Callout

• Playbill will keep updating this list as more reviews come in.
• Reviews marked with a * may ask you to make a free account or pay a little to read them.

List of Reviews (Just Click the Links!)

• 1 Minute Critic (Matthew Wexler): Read here
• Cititour NYC (Brian Scott Lipton): Read here
• Culture Sauce (Thom Geier): Read here
• Exeunt NYC (Juliet Hindell): Read here
• New York Stage Review:
  • Melissa Rose Bernardo: Read here
  • Frank Scheck: Read here
• New York Theatre Guide (Joe Dziemianowicz): Read here
• Talkin’ Broadway (Howard Miller): Read here
• The Wall Street Journal (Charles Isherwood): Read here *
• The Wrap (Robert Hofler): Read here *

* These two might require a free account or paid subscription.

The Behind-the-Scenes Team

Many grown-ups worked to make the stage look, sound, and feel just right. Here’s who did what:

• Scenic design (how the stage looks like a place): Studio Bent’s Adam Rigg and Anton Volovsek
• Costume design (the clothes actors wear): Qween Jean
• Lighting design (the lights!): Cha See
• Sound design (the noises and music): Fan Zhang
• Video design (any screen pictures): Hana S. Kim
• Hair and wig design (hair styles): Nikiya Mathis
• Stage manager (keeps everything running): Tiffany N. Robinson

How to Get More Info

You can visit the theater’s website to learn more: LCT.org

Summary

To recap in tiny bites:

• A show called The Whoopi Monologues opened July 13 at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater (Off-Broadway).
• It runs until August 30, directed by Whitney White.
• Five actors (Kerry Washington, Kara Young, Kecia Lewis, Dominique Fishback, Danielle Pinnock) perform Whoopi Goldberg’s old solo speeches from 1983 and 2004, with understudies ready to help.
• Critics have written reviews—links are above—and Playbill will add more later.
• A talented design team built the world of the show; Tiffany N. Robinson manages the stage.
• Check LCT.org for details.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What does "Off-Broadway" mean in kid words?

It means the show is in a smaller theater in New York than the huge "Broadway" ones, but it’s still a real, professional play.

2. Who is Whoopi Goldberg?

She is a very famous actor and comedian who, long ago (1983 and 2004), performed solo shows where she talked by herself as different characters. Those speeches are now being reused in this new show.

3. What is a monologue?

It’s like a little speech or story told by one person alone on stage—no back-and-forth conversation.

4. Are all the review links free to read?

Most are free! But the ones from The Wall Street Journal and The Wrap might ask you to sign up for a free account or pay to see the full text.

5. Can I still go see the show?

The show is planned to run through August 30, and you can look at LCT.org for more info on how to maybe attend.