Children of a Lesser God

Children of a Lesser God on Broadway Background

In the summer of 2017, Children of a Lesser God enjoyed a well-received revival at the Berkshire Theatre Group, running from June 22, 2017 to July 22, 2017, directed by Kenny Leon. It is this production that transfers to Broadway. The lead role of James Leeds is played by Joshua Jackson making his Broadway debut. Jackson is well known for his screen performances, including the role of Pacey on the television show "Dawson’s Creek," as well as films such as Cruel Intentions, Ocean’s Eleven, Americano, Shadows in the Sun, Aurora Borealis, and One Week.

Jackson’s stage debut was in 2005 in London’s West End, where he starred opposite Patrick Stewart in David Mamet’s A Life in the Theatre. In his Broadway debut in Children of a Lesser God, Jackson stars opposite Lauren Ridloff, also making her Broadway debut, whose films credits include Wonderstruck, If You Could Hear My Own Tune, and Sign Gene. The show runs at the Studio 54 Theatre, and is produced by Hal Luftig.

What's Children of a Lesser God Like?

When Children of a Lesser God premiered in 1980 on Broadway, it was a critical success and blew audiences away. This production is directed by Kenny Leon, who won a Tony Award for his direction of the 2014 revival of A Raisin in the Sun, and whose other Broadway directorial include Gem of the Ocean, Radio Golf, Fences, The Mountaintop, Stick Fly, and Holler if Ya Hear Me. He is one of the most exciting directors working today, and while he has generally specialized in works involving the African American experience, he tackles a new challenge with Children of a Lesser God. While this production does star a black actress, its main themes do not involve racial politics, but rather sexual politics in addition to disability politics. Lauren Ridloff, who is deaf in real life, is a former Deaf Miss America, and was reviewed as “a sensational find” in the New York Times for her original performance in this role.

Is Children of a Lesser God Good for Kids?

The show is most appropriate for those over the age of 12. Children under the age of 4 will not be permitted in the theatre.