Alicia Grace Takes Over From Hailey Kilgore in Cast of THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM—1963

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces that Alicia Grace (the Kennedy Center's She A Gem) will step into the role of Joetta "Joey" Watson. She replaces the previously announced Hailey Kilgore, who is departing the production due to an unanticipated scheduling conflict.

Presented in a staged concert adaptation with live music, the cast will also feature Tichina Arnold (CBS's The Neighborhood) as Wilona Watson, J. Bernard Calloway (Memphis) as Daniel Watson, Chad L. Coleman (The Wire, All American, The Orville) as Narrator Kenny & Other Broadcast Voices, Dante Myles Hoagland (The Last O.G.) as Kenneth "Kenny" Watson, Isabell Monk O'Connor (The Gospel at Colonus) as Grandma Sands, Nova Y. Payton (the Kennedy Center's Broadway Center Stage: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) as the vocalist, and Justin Weaks (the Kennedy Center's Long Way Down) as Byron Watson.

Christopher Paul Curtis's Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning book about a family's bond and endurance amidst one of the darkest periods in America's history comes to life in an adaptation by Christina Ham with live music by the late Darius Smith, directed by Faye Price. Told through Kenny's ever-witty perspective, The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 captures hilarious family antics alongside poignant observations of Birmingham's tragic church bombing.

Please note: Erika Rose will replace Tichina Arnold as Wilona Watson for performances on Saturday, March 23.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 is presented as a part of the Kennedy Center's season-long exploration of The Human Journey, which seeks to promote deeper understanding of the migration of people and the resilience of humankind to overcome conflict, adversity, prejudice, and injustices.

This production is most enjoyed by age nine and up.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 will be performed Thursday, March 14-Sunday, March 24 with performances on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale. For more information please visit the Kennedy Center website, in-person at the Kennedy Center box office, or call (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324.