Chicken & Biscuits: A Special Staged Reading of a Homegrown Hit
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Mon Nov 247:00 PMAudio Described, SignedThe Claire Shulman Theater
Queens Theatre presents a one-night-only staged reading of Douglas Lyons’ Broadway hit Chicken & Biscuits on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM, as part of our HOMEGROWN season celebrating works that began on our stage. This special event marks the fifth anniversary of the play’s Queens Theatre premiere and features the return of playwright Douglas Lyons (Chicken & Biscuits on Broadway) and director Zhailon Levingston (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Chicken & Biscuits on Broadway). Starring Tony Award nominee Norm Lewis and Emmy Award nominee Michael Urie, both from the original Broadway cast, the evening offers a rare opportunity to experience the heart, humor, and warmth of this family-centered comedy in an intimate staged reading format.
For Queens Theatre, this homecoming is a celebration of what began on its stage. Premiered in March 2020 just before theaters shut down, the show’s spark propelled it to Broadway and beyond—an embodiment of Queens Theatre’s mission to champion artists and stories reflecting the borough’s rich diversity and creative spirit. A limited VIP pre-show soul food dinner by Sylvia’s Restaurant of Harlem completes this unforgettable evening of connection, laughter, and community.
CAST
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DEAN ACREE Dean Acree, a Baltimore native, made his Broadway debut in Chicken & Biscuits, a milestone that launched his acting journey. His screen work includes HBO, MTV, and NBC projects, alongside national commercial and print campaigns. A proud member of IBEW Local 24, Dean continues to balance artistry and craftsmanship while honoring the creative team that shaped his Broadway career.
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PAIGE GILBERT Paige Gilbert is an actor, spiritualist, and storyteller who appeared in Chicken & Biscuits. Broadway: The Skin of Our Teeth (Lincoln Center), The Rose Tattoo (Roundabout). Off-Broadway: The Welkin (Atlantic), A Raisin in the Sun (Public), Demons (Bushwick Starr), BLKS, and School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play (MCC). Film/TV: Russian Doll, The Deuce, Late Night.
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CLEO KING A beloved screen and stage presence, Cleo King starred on Broadway in Chicken & Biscuits and is widely known for her role as Grandma on CBS’s Mike & Molly. Her credits include The Hangover, Dreamgirls, Pineapple Express, and Grey’s Anatomy. An NAACP Image Award winner and advocate for children and families, she continues to shine with warmth and authenticity.
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NORM LEWIS Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and SAG Award nominee Norm Lewis starred in Broadway’s Chicken & Biscuits, making a triumphant return to the stage following his historic turn as Broadway’s first Black Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. A founding member of Black Theatre United, his credits span Porgy & Bess, Once on This Island, Da 5 Bloods, and Pose. His acclaimed performances continue to celebrate excellence and representation in American theatre. |
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EBONY MARSHALL-OLIVER Ebony Marshall-Oliver appeared on Broadway in Chicken & Biscuits and the Tony-nominated Ain’t No Mo’. Off-Broadway credits include Chiaroscuro and 7 Minutes, earning a Broadway League Distinguished Performer nomination. On screen, she recurs in BET+’s The Ms. Pat Show and debuted in the feature Regarding Us. She is a proud graduate of AMDA’s Conservatory.
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MADISON Madison McBride (she/her) appeared in Chicken & Biscuits at Crossroads Theatre. Her credits include Clueless (London Premiere), Next to Normal (Barrington Stage, Best Supporting Actress in a Musical), Pirates of Penzance (Roundabout Gala), and Teeth (Off-Broadway). Film/TV: Full Circle (HBO), No Hard Feelings (Columbia Pictures). BFA, University of Michigan. IG: @Madison_McB.
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MICHAEL Emmy-nominated actor, producer, and director Michael Urie brings his signature wit and heart to the stage and screen. Known for Ugly Betty, Torch Song, and Netflix’s Single All the Way, Urie recently appeared on Broadway in Spamalot and Once Upon a Mattress. A Juilliard graduate, he co-founded Pride Plays to champion LGBTQIA+ stories and starred in Chicken & Biscuits’ celebrated Broadway production.
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NATASHA YVETTE WILLIAMS Natasha Yvette Williams currently plays Madame Morrible in Broadway’s Wicked. A Grammy winner and Tony nominee for Some Like It Hot (Sweet Sue), her Broadway credits include Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Chicken & Biscuits, Waitress, Chicago, and more. TV/film credits include Grey’s Anatomy, Run the World, Partner Track, and The Godfather of Harlem. Follow @Natashayvettewilliams. Proud Black Theatre United and Actors’ Equity member. |
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SYLVIA’S RESTAURANT OF HARLEMSylvia’s Restaurant of Harlem, a legendary New York institution, has been serving soulful, authentic Southern cuisine since 1962. Famous for its fried chicken, ribs, and warm hospitality, Sylvia’s celebrates the flavors and spirit of Harlem. For this special event, they’ll provide a limited pre-show VIP soul food dinner, creating a welcoming, celebratory atmosphere for guests.
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