“For his perspicacity and for his well-honed insistence on perceiving and respecting the life of the Other, playwright Scott is to be profoundly thanked.”
PLAYCLOSED
Thoughts of a Colored Man
Opened Oct 13, 2021 · Closed Dec 22, 2021 · Ran for 2 months
3 Rave
10 Positive
5 Mixed
3 Negative
Critics' Take
Critics are mixed on this poetic exploration of Black masculinity in Brooklyn, praising its ambitious scope and strong ensemble but finding the execution uneven, with moments of genuine insight alternating with schematic, platitude-driven passages.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
21 reviews3 Rave
10 Positive
5 Mixed
3 Negative
Sort:
“A Colored Man is among the best new plays to arrive on Broadway in ages – pre-pandemic ages, to be clear – as funny, poignant, complicated and wise as the seven men and their offstage collaborators who give it breath.”
“Under the smooth direction of Steve H. Broadnax III, each member of the seven member cast has standout moments (especially Clark and McClendon) while also contributing to a vibrant unified ensemble.”
“But while one may acknowledge its incidental flaws, the cumulative power of “Thoughts of a Colored Man” is what remains with you after the curtain falls.”
“It makes sense that a show about scrappy, lovable people got a scrappy, lovable production.”
Audience Scorecard
205 audience reviews
B+
Liking It
Awards Scorecard
2021-22 season7
Nominated
Drama Desk:1 nomOuter Critics:1 nom
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about Thoughts of a Colored Man?
Critics are mixed on this poetic exploration of Black masculinity in Brooklyn, praising its ambitious scope and strong ensemble but finding the execution uneven, with moments of genuine insight alternating with schematic, platitude-driven passages. (CriticScore 71/100 from 21 reviews.)
Is Thoughts of a Colored Man worth seeing?
Probably, if the material interests you. Critics say Thoughts of a Colored Man is worth seeing (71/100 from 21 reviews) — it works best if the premise or cast appeals to you.
What is the CriticScore for Thoughts of a Colored Man?
Thoughts of a Colored Man has a CriticScore of 71/100 based on 21 professional reviews. This is rated "Worth Seeing".
Is Thoughts of a Colored Man still running on Broadway?
No, Thoughts of a Colored Man has closed. It played at John Golden Theatre and closed on December 22, 2021.
Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueThe John Golden Theatre offers good sightlines from most seats, though sound quality can vary, especially under the mezzanine. Seating comfort is typical of older theaters with tight legroom, but the venue maintains a pleasant ambiance overall. Facilities are adequate, though not exceptional.
Original Broadway Cast
- Dyllón BurnsideLove
- Bryan Terrell ClarkHappiness
- Da'VinchiLustBroadway debut
- Luke JamesPassionBroadway debut
- Forrest McClendonDepression
- Esau PritchettWisdom
- Tristan Mack WildsAngerBroadway debut
Notable Replacements
- Keenan Scott IIWisdom
Creative Team
- Steve H. Broadnax IIIDirector
- Keenan Scott IIPlaywright
- Te'LaMusic
- KamauuMusic
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 71/100 (21 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Oct 13, 2021
- Closed
- Dec 22, 2021
- Run Length
- 2 months
- Synopsis
- Over the course of a single day in a rapidly gentrifying Brooklyn neighborhood, seven Black men—identified only by the emotions they embody: Love, Happiness, Wisdom, Lust, Passion, Depression, and Anger—cross paths at a basketball court, barbershop, sneaker store, and grocery aisle. Through interwoven monologues blending poetry, rap, and spoken word, they reveal their inner lives, vulnerabilities, and the pressures shaping contemporary Black manhood in America.
- Data Last Updated
- October 7, 2026
