After years of development, Zachary is excited to be co-producing the world premiere of Paradise Square: A New Musical at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in Berkeley, CA. It’s 1863 and in a 20-block area of Manhattan known as the Five Points, Black and Irish Americans live side by side, work together, marry, and for a brief period realize racial harmony. However, the intensifying Civil War soon results in the first-ever Federal draft, leading to riots as whites are called to enlist while blacks are barred from serving. Calling upon a variety of musical and dance traditions including Irish step-dancing and African traditional forms (Juba dancing), as well as new ones created from their fusion (tap dance), Paradise Square subverts and reframes some of the most popular music of the 19th century while honouring and celebrating this unique neighborhood’s diverse inhabitants.
The production is directed by Moisés Kaufman and choreographed by Bill T. Jones, and features a cast of 30 extraordinary performers. Paradise Square runs from December 27, 2018 to March 3, 2019 at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre. Tickets and details are available here.