New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) is set to launch its 2025-2026 season with the world premiere of Saturday Church, a new musical featuring music and lyrics by Grammy-nominated artist Sia. The production, directed by Tony nominee Whitney White (Jaja’s African Hair Braiding), will begin performances in the fall, with specific dates to be announced.
A Collaboration of Award-Winning Creatives
Saturday Church brings together an impressive creative team. Emmy nominee Damon Cardasis co-wrote the musical’s book (She Came to Me) and Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames (Fat Ham). The score, crafted by Sia, will include additional music from Grammy-winning producer Honey Dijon (Black Girl Magic). Whether Sia’s compositions will be entirely original or incorporate selections from her existing catalog remains unclear.
The show’s music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements will be led by Special Tony Award recipient Jason Michael Webb (MJ The Musical) and Grammy Award winner Luke Solomon (Beyoncé’s Renaissance). Choreography is by Obie Award winner Darrell Grand Moultrie (Fat Ham), further strengthening the production’s creative force.
A Story of Identity and Belonging
Based on the 2017 Spring Pictures film of the same name, written and directed by Cardasis, Saturday Church tells the story of Ulysses, a New York City youth devoted to his aunt’s church. His world expands when a fateful subway encounter introduces him to Saturday Church, a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ youth. The musical explores themes of identity, acceptance, and self-discovery.
Director Whitney White expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Saturday Church is an odyssey of becoming. We follow Ulysses as he discovers what it means to live in one’s truth and ultimately how to help the ones we love to embrace us in our fullness. When I first read and heard the music of Saturday Church, I leaped at the possibility to direct it—the iconic songs, celebration of body, and portrait of faith and self-discovery all combine into what I hope will be an unforgettable evening of theatre.”
NYTW’s Commitment to Bold Storytelling
NYTW Artistic Director Patricia McGregor praised the musical as a timely and meaningful production. “A vibrant, audacious musical theatre piece, Saturday Church is a necessary balm for our moment,” she said. “It is situated in our world and also envisions a world centered in love. It is an earnest depiction of finding our way to the other side and epitomizes a vision for the theatre as a roadmap of how to get through the storm.”
She added, “The team that has come together to realize this deeply joyful and thrillingly theatrical adaptation of Damon Cardasis’ beautiful film includes visionary theater makers at the top of their craft and recording artists celebrated the world over. It’s a privilege to welcome Whitney White back to NYTW and to invite Damon, James Ijames, Sia, Honey Dijon, Jason Michael Webb, Luke Solomon, and Darrell Moultrie into the Workshop family.”
An Acclaimed Production Team
The production features a team of celebrated designers and technical artists, including scenic designer David Zinn (Stereophonic), costume designer Qween Jean (CATS: “The Jellicle Ball”), lighting designer Adam Honoré (CATS: “The Jellicle Ball”), and sound designer Gareth Owen (Hell’s Kitchen). Grammy Award-winning producer Chris Penny (Beyoncé’s Renaissance) will oversee music production.
Nicholas Petrovich and Erica Hart will handle casting, and Jhanaë K-C Bonnick will serve as stage manager. Saturday Church is produced by special arrangements with Tim Levy and Cindy Tolan.
Anticipation Is Building Among Audiences
With a compelling story, a powerhouse creative team, and the backing of NYTW, Saturday Church is all set to be a landmark production. As audiences await further details on its premiere, the musical promises to be a bold, evocative, and resonant theatrical classic.
