Blooming in Dry Season
Celebrates National Caribbean Heritage Month with Blooming in Dry Season
Woodie King, Jr.’s New Federal Theatre
The enchanting rhythms of Calypsonian steel drums waif through a family-owned, timeworn rum shop in Grenada in the poignant drama “Blooming in Dry Season,” a lyrical new play by Eljon Wardally making its New York premiere through June 28 at WP Theater, 2162 Broadway at 76th Street.
Presented by Woodie King Jr.’s New Federal Theatre in partnership with North Carolina Black Repertory Company, “Blooming in Dry Season,” becomes the crucible for love, regret, and hard choices for a family in Grenada. Directed by Jackie Alexander, the production follows Fitz, a struggling former Calypsonian, his steadfast wife Rose and their gifted 16-year-old daughter Garland as they clash over whether the teen should chase the opportunity abroad as a touring Calypso performer or remain rooted at home. Featuring an original score by acclaimed Trinidadian musician Etienne Charles, the play blends music and drama to explore generational dreams, cultural inheritance, and the cost of holding on–or letting go.
“It’s a lot about sacrifice and unconditional love,” said Wardally. “It’s a serious story, but I love peppering in moments of lightness. So, you are going to laugh. She is an award-winning Grenadian Italian-American playwright, screenwriter, and filmmaker. Born in New York City, she spent childhood and teen summers with her father’s family in Grenada. Wardally, who holds a MFA in playwriting from Fordham University, is a former broadcast producer, who has written several plays, a documentary on Jackie Robinson and a popular YouTube drama series “Docket 32357. Her writing often blends realism with dark comedy and lyrical theatricality.
“Blooming in Dry Season” stars Nikyla Boxley as Garland, Melanie Matthews as Rose and Brian Richardson as Fitz. Director Jackie Alexander is former Artistic Director of The Billie Holiday Theatre in New York, is currently Producing Artistic Director of The North Carolina Black Repertory Company, and Executive Producer of the International Black Theatre Festival. He is an Audelco award-winning actor, writer, producer, director and author of six plays. The production features original Calypso music by Trinidadian musician Etienne Charles, who is also a renowned jazz artist. He is also a Guggenheim Fellow and Creative Capital Awardee recipient.
A Caribbean family story with festive music, “Blooming in Dry Season” is a wonderful show to celebrate June’s National Caribbean Heritage Month and Black Music Month. Evening performances are Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays @ 7:00 PM. Matinee performances are Wednesdays & Sundays @ 3:00 PM and Saturdays @ 2:00 PM. For ticket information, contact New Federal Theatre at
