“The revival of Ntozake Shange’s 1976 for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf is stunning in every aspect.”
PLAYREVIVALCLOSED
for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf
Opened Apr 20, 2022 · Closed Jun 5, 2022 · Ran for 2 months
12 Rave
10 Positive
2 Mixed
1 Negative
Critics' Take
Critics praise this vibrant revival of Shange's landmark choreopoem, celebrating Camille A. Brown's direction and choreography plus strong ensemble performances that bring fresh energy to the enduring work, though a few find it less urgent today.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
25 reviews12 Rave
10 Positive
2 Mixed
1 Negative
Sort:
“This revival, by director and choreographer Camille A. Brown, is the most essential production of Shange’s masterwork to date.”
“It pulses and pulses with life, singing a Black girl’s song.”
“"When words will not suffice, dance, as the women explain, is necessary to 'keep from cryin'' and to keep from 'dyin'.' Brown exquisitely combines elements of Afro-Caribbean, Latin, and hip-hop, and the choreography further deepens our understanding of the women both individually and collectively.”
“The production, which opens April 20, takes the task of revival seriously — it's a joy to witness.”
Audience Scorecard
461 audience reviews
B+
Liking It
Awards Scorecard
2021-22 season58
Honored
Nominated for Best Revival (Play)
Lortel Award:3 wins / 4 nomsDrama Desk:1 win / 4 nomsOuter Critics:3 nomsDrama League:2 nomsOBA Award:1 nom
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf?
Critics praise this vibrant revival of Shange's landmark choreopoem, celebrating Camille A. Brown's direction and choreography plus strong ensemble performances that bring fresh energy to the enduring work, though a few find it less urgent today. (CriticScore 81/100 from 25 reviews.)
Is for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf worth seeing?
Yes. for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf earns strong reviews from critics (81/100 from 25 reviews). Most theatergoers will have a great time.
What is the CriticScore for for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf?
for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf has a CriticScore of 81/100 based on 25 professional reviews. This is a "Recommended" show.
Is for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf still running on Broadway?
No, for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf has closed. It played at Booth Theatre and closed on June 5, 2022.
Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueThe Booth Theatre offers good sightlines with a well-raked mezzanine and clear views from most seats, though legroom can be tight. The theater's elegant, European-inspired design adds to its charm, while sound quality is consistently praised. Facilities are average, with typical restroom and concession offerings.
Original Broadway Cast
- Amara GrandersonLady in OrangeBroadway debut
- Tendayi KuumbaLady in Brown
- Kenita R. MillerLady in RedNom: Featured Actress (Play)
- Okwui OkpokwasiliLady in GreenBroadway debut
- Stacey SargeantLady in BlueBroadway debut
- Ntozake ShangeVoiceRecorded voice only
- Alexandria WailesLady in Purple
- D. WoodsLady in YellowBroadway debut
Notable Replacements
- Rachel ChristopherLady in RedBroadway debut
Creative Team
- Camille A. BrownDirector & Choreographer
- Ntozake ShangePlaywright
- Deah Love HarriottMusic Direction
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 81/100 (25 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Apr 20, 2022
- Closed
- Jun 5, 2022
- Run Length
- 2 months
- Synopsis
- "for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf" is a powerful and poetic theatrical experience that explores the joys, struggles, and resilience of Black women. Through a series of interconnected monologues, the play delves into themes of identity, love, and the strength that emerges from even the darkest of times. This acclaimed work by Ntozake Shange is a profound and moving celebration of the human spirit, inviting audiences to bear witness to the extraordinary stories of a diverse group of women.
- Data Last Updated
- October 7, 2026
