Whoopi Returns, Ragtime Rises: The Lincoln Center Theater’s New Era

In a sweeping announcement that reflects the changing face of American theater, Lincoln Center Theater (LCT) has revealed its 2025–26 season—an electrifying mix of revivals, premieres, and cultural programming that centers Black excellence and powerful storytelling. The season, the first curated by newly appointed Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, sets a bold vision that bridges legacy with contemporary urgency.

At the heart of this announcement is the reimagining of Whoopi Goldberg’s iconic 1984 one-woman show, The Spook Show, reborn under the new title The Whoopi Monologues. This Off-Broadway centerpiece will be directed by the visionary Whitney White and will star Emmy-winner Kerry Washington alongside three-time Tony nominee Kara Young in a fresh ensemble adaptation. Previews begin July 7, 2026, at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater.

“This isn’t just about honoring Whoopi’s groundbreaking legacy—it’s about reclaiming space for multi-dimensional Black womanhood on stage,” said White. “Whoopi shattered ceilings, and now Kerry and Kara are breaking through them again, in their own way.”

Ragtime Revival to Open Broadway Season

Opening the season in grand fashion is the revival of Ragtime, the Tony Award-winning musical that explores race, class, and immigration in early 20th-century America. The revival, previously mounted at New York City Center to critical acclaim, will move to Broadway’s Vivian Beaumont Theater for a full run. With previews beginning September 26, 2025, and an official opening set for October 16, the cast features Broadway heavyweights:

• Joshua Henry (Hamilton, Into the Woods) as Coalhouse Walker Jr.
• Caissie Levy (Frozen, Caroline, or Change) as Mother
• Brandon Uranowitz (Leopoldstadt, Falsettos) as Tateh

Lear deBessonet, who helmed the City Center production, returns to direct. “Ragtime remains a mirror to our moment,” said deBessonet. “Its message of hope and heartbreak resonates more urgently than ever.”

A Season Built on Purpose

Beyond star power, the 2025–26 season at Lincoln Center reflects a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and bold storytelling. The programming spans multiple venues:

Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater

• Kyoto: The U.S. premiere of this Royal Shakespeare Company hit, co-directed by Stephen Daldry (The Crown) and Justin Martin. A politically charged drama set in a global climate summit, opening November 3, 2025.
• Amahl and the Night Visitors: Gian Carlo Menotti’s holiday opera returns with Grammy-winner Joyce DiDonato in a dazzling new production, directed by Kenny Leon. Runs December 16, 2025 – January 4, 2026.
• The Whoopi Monologues: Goldberg’s landmark show gets a generational update with Kerry Washington and Kara Young. Opens July 28, 2026.

Claire Tow Theater (LCT3)

• The Comedy Series: A rotating cast of comedic performers including Jenny Slate, Marcia Belsky, and Ziwe, beginning October 2025.
• Night Side Songs: A new musical by The Lazours (We Live in Cairo), exploring themes of intimacy and insomnia. Opens February 14, 2026.
• A Woman Among Women: Julia May Jonas returns with a haunting feminist satire premiering May 16, 2026.

Free Events and Community-Centered Programming

LCT is also expanding its public-facing offerings with a series of free community events aimed at building deeper connections between artists and audiences:

• “Warriors” Listening Party: A silent disco celebration of the Lin-Manuel Miranda & Eisa Davis concept album, Warriors, will be held on July 30 on the Lincoln Center Plaza.
• Come & Sing Choir Events: Curated by Tony-winner Jeanine Tesori, these open choir sessions invite the public to sing iconic musical theater works in community settings throughout the city.

A Season for a New Era

In many ways, this season reflects a passing of the torch. With Lear deBessonet’s leadership and productions like The Whoopi Monologues, Lincoln Center Theater signals a dynamic shift—toward inclusion, representation, and responsiveness.

“This season is a love letter to the people who have always been part of the American theater but not always centered on its biggest stages,” said deBessonet. “It’s about recognizing legacy and imagining possibility.”

About Lincoln Center Theater:

Lincoln Center Theater is one of the preeminent theater institutions in the country, dedicated to producing plays and musicals that reflect the breadth and diversity of the American experience. Under the new leadership of Lear deBessonet, LCT continues to champion new voices and reimagine the classics for a new generation.

For More Information View Link Here:

https://www.broadwayblack.com/whoopi-goldberg-ragtime-kerry-washington-kara-young-joshua-henry-lincoln-center-theater/

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