6 / 10
From the musical’s opening moments, Tony winner J. Harrison Ghee, in the dual role of Black Jesus and Pastor Lewis, capitalizes on Sia’s catchy score. But the familiar dance beats and melodic riffs aren’t quite enough to make Saturday Church stand out among identity-focused new works.
8 / 10
The musical—directed by Whitney White, and adapted from Damon Cardasis’ 2017 movie—switches between the heart-tugging register of Ulysses’ sense of isolation, and the snap and pop of its excellent soundtrack (at least two songs should be released as singles, right now). The show’s choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie fills the stage with consistently gorgeous fire and flair. Qween Jean’s costumes—riots of color, sparkle, dramatic silhouettes, and flattering detail—are lead characters in themselves.
New York Theatre Workshop's world premiere musical Saturday Church has extended for a second and final time. Learn more about Saturday Church and see how to purchase tickets!
The world-premiere of “Saturday Church” opens at New York Theatre Workshop — discover what critics are saying about its gospel-to-pop score, bold visuals and queer sanctuary story.
The congregation is gathering at New York Theatre Workshop! The new musical Saturday Church, is officially in previews and set to open on September 15. Before it was a musical, Saturday Church was an acclaimed 2017 Spring Pictures film written and directed by Damon Cardasis. He just checked in with BroadwayWorld to tell us all about how the project came to be and why audiences need to run (not walk) to check it out for themselves.
The world premiere musical Saturday Church has extended its run for an additional week at New York Theatre Workshop. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets here!
New York Theatre Workshop has revealed the full cast for the world premiere of the new musical Saturday Church. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets here!
New York Theatre Workshop just presented a reading of SATURDAY CHURCH, which will be included in its upcoming season. In addition to previously announced Bryson Battle, J. Harrison Ghee, Joaquina Kalukango and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, the reading featured Kristolyn Lloyd, B Noel Thomas, Caleb Russell Quezon, Jackson Kanawha Perry, J Cameron Barnett, Jimin Moon, Primo Segar, Damani Van Rensalier, Venus Deleon, and Michael George.
New York Theatre Workshop has announced its 2025/26 Season featuring three world premiere productions and a fourth offering for Spring 2026 that has yet to be announced.
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical | Qween Jean |
| 2026 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical | Jackson Kanawha Perry |
| 2026 | Drama League Awards | OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL | Saturday Church |
| 2026 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Choreography | Darrell Grand Moultrie |
| 2026 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical | J. Harrison Ghee |
| 2026 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical | Saturday Church |
| 2026 | The Lortels | Outstanding Choreographer | Darrell Grand Moultrie |
| 2026 | The Lortels | Outstanding Costume Design | Qween Jean |
| 2026 | The Lortels | Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical | Caleb Quezon |
| 2026 | The Lortels | Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical | J. Harrison Ghee |
