Broadway is buzzing, but it’s not just Denzel Washington in Othello turning heads. His daughter, Olivia Washington, is making waves with a powerful performance as Tommy in Alice Childress’ Wine in the Wilderness at the Classic Stage Company.
Under the direction of Tony-nominated actress and Black Theatre United president LaChanze, Washington’s portrayal is nothing short of electrifying, proving her place among the industry’s rising stars.
Set in Harlem during the 1964 riots, Wine in the Wilderness explores race, gender, and artistic integrity.
Washington’s Tommy, a sharp-tongued, resilient woman, challenges the expectations and prejudices of Bill Jameson (Grantham Coleman), an artist seeking to complete a triptych depicting Black womanhood.
As tensions build, Tommy’s presence reshapes Bill’s perceptions, culminating in a transformative moment that redefines both his art and his understanding of the world.
According to The Daily Beast‘s review of Washington’s performance, she captivates from the moment she steps on stage.
Her embodiment of Tommy’s wit, vulnerability, and fiery spirit has audiences and critics enthralled. The actress seamlessly transitions between comedic timing and emotional depth, drawing viewers into her character’s struggles and triumphs. Her raw, nuanced portrayal has cemented her status as a breakout talent in contemporary theater.
LaChanze’s direction brings Childress’ vision to life, ensuring the play’s themes remain as relevant today as they were in 1969 when Wine in the Wilderness first aired on Boston’s WGBH television as part of the series On Being Black.
The production also boasts a stellar creative team, including scenic designer Arnulfo Maldonado, lighting designer Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew, and costume designer Dede Ayite, who capture the era’s essence with authenticity and precision.
The revival of Wine in the Wilderness comes at a time when Childress’ work is gaining long-overdue recognition. The playwright, whose Trouble in Mind finally made its Broadway debut in 2021, has long been celebrated for her fearless storytelling and keen insight into the Black experience. Olivia Washington’s gripping performance in Wine in the Wilderness not only honors Childress’ legacy but also affirms her own place in the next generation of theater greats.
With performances running through April 18, Wine in the Wilderness is a must-see production that delivers a poignant message through an extraordinary cast.
Olivia Washington’s standout role proves her talent and dedication.
She is not just following in her father’s footsteps but carving out her own remarkable path in the world of theater.
