The Whoopi Monologues: A Super Simple Guide to the New Off-Broadway Show

What Is The Whoopi Monologues?

Imagine a play where actors stand on stage and talk directly to you — that’s called a monologue (think of it as a solo speech). This new show, called The Whoopi Monologues, is like a loving tribute to the amazing actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg.

A long time ago, in 1983 and again in 2004, Whoopi performed solo shows on Broadway (the big theater district in New York City) where she played many different characters all by herself. Now, in this new show, five talented actors are stepping into her shoes to perform those same solo speeches that Whoopi wrote and originally performed.

Where and When Is It Happening?

The show officially opened on July 13 (think of "opening night" as the first big official performance). It is playing at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, which is part of Lincoln Center Theater. Because it’s in a smaller theater than the giant Times Square ones, we call it an Off-Broadway show (don’t worry, it’s still super professional!).

Important: The show will keep running (we call this the "run") all the way through August 30. If you want to see it, you need to grab tickets before then!

How Can You Watch It?

If you want to catch the show, here are the simple steps:

1. Visit the theater’s official website at LCT.org.
2. Find tickets for The Whoopi Monologues.
3. Plan your trip before August 30, because that is the final day of the show!

Meet the People Behind the Magic

Putting on a show is like building a giant puzzle with many pieces. Here are the key players:

The Director (the person who guides the actors and the vision):

• Whitney White (she also directed a show called Liberation)

The Main Actors (the stars on stage):

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

The Understudies (backup actors who jump in if the stars can’t make it — like substitutes in a sports game):

• Kai Heath
• Denise Manning
• Pavar Snipe

The Creative Team (the folks who make it look and sound amazing):

• Scenic Design (the background/set): Adam Rigg and Anton Volovsek from Studio Bent
• Costume Design (the clothes): Qween Jean
• Lighting Design (the lights): Cha See
• Sound Design (the noises/music): Fan Zhang
• Video Design (the screens): Hana S. Kim
• Hair and Wig Design: Nikiya Mathis
• Stage Manager (keeps everything running smoothly): Tiffany N. Robinson

What Are the Critics Saying?

When a show opens, writers called "critics" go to watch it and write "reviews" — kind of like report cards for grown-ups. The Whoopi Monologues has gotten a lot of reviews, and you can read them yourself by clicking the links below:

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

Heads up! The reviews from The Wall Street Journal and The Wrap (marked with an asterisk *) might ask you to make a free account or pay a little money to read them.

Playbill (the website that gathered all these links) says they will keep adding more reviews as they come out, so check back later!

Summary

The Whoopi Monologues is a fun Off-Broadway show that brings Whoopi Goldberg’s classic solo performances back to life with a fresh cast of five amazing actors. It opened on July 13 at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater and will play until August 30. Directed by Whitney White, the show features fantastic performances and cool behind-the-scenes design work. Critics from all over have shared their thoughts, and you can read their reviews online. If you love great storytelling, this might be the perfect show for you!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What does "Off-Broadway" mean in simple terms?
Off-Broadway means the theater is smaller than the giant, famous theaters in New York’s Broadway area. It still has professional actors and amazing productions, just in a more intimate (cozy) space!

2. Do I need to know Whoopi Goldberg’s old shows to enjoy this?
Not at all! The new actors perform the monologues (solo speeches) in a way that stands on its own. But if you know Whoopi’s work, you might enjoy spotting how the new cast honors her original 1983 and 2004 performances.

3. What is an "understudy" and why are they important?
An understudy is like a backup singer or substitute teacher. If one of the main actors gets sick or can’t perform, the understudy steps in to make sure the show goes on without a hitch!

4. How can I stay updated on new reviews?
The original article mentions that Playbill will keep updating their list. You can also check the theater’s website at LCT.org for show updates.

5. Is this show good for kids?
While the source doesn’t give an age rating, monologues are just people talking and telling stories. It features themes from Whoopi Goldberg’s celebrated work, so checking with the theater (Lincoln Center) for age recommendations is always a smart move.