A revised staging of “The Whoopi Monologues,” originally performed by Whoopi Goldberg in 1984, opened on Monday at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center Theater. The production expands the one-woman show into a multi-actor chamber piece, directed by Whitney White, and features a rotating cast that includes Kerry Washington, Kara Young, Dominique Fishback, Danielle Pinnock, and Kecia Lewis.
The performance revisits a series of distinctive characters created by Goldberg early in her career. These include Fontaine, a doctorate-holding addict; an earnest Surfer Girl; a young Black girl aspiring for the blonde hair and blue eyes she sees on television; a Jamaican woman who immigrates to the United States to care for an elderly man; and Lurleen, a menopausal woman introduced in a later anniversary production. Each actor takes on one character, offering a range of performances that explore serious social themes alongside moments of humor.
The monologues provide insight into individuals often marginalized by society, portraying struggles with addiction, immigration, aging, and self-image. Kara Young’s portrayal of Fontaine was noted for its commanding presence, while Danielle Pinnock’s portrayal of the Jamaican immigrant character drew particular audience laughter with her use of cultural signifiers and humor. The varied portrayals maintain the balance between comedic elements and the poignant realities faced by these characters.
In transforming the solo show into an ensemble performance, the production incorporates enhanced theatrical elements, including choreography, musical transitions, projections, and distinct costume and wig designs. Queen Jean, a recent Tony Award winner, contributed costumes that reflect each character’s background and social standing, while Nikiya Mathis handled hair and wig design. The set, by Studio Bent, includes five dressing room doors at the back of the stage, symbolizing the characters’ private retreats and nodding to backstage life; photographs of historic Black performers such as Cicely Tyson hang above, underscoring themes of artistic legacy and influence.
The production also weaves in contemporary cultural references and physical gestures, updating Goldberg’s original work for a modern audience. For example, Dominique Fishback adds a playful Ariana Grande-inspired motion during her character’s monologue, blending past and present styles of performance. Director Whitney White emphasizes the show’s role in honoring Goldberg’s impact on a new generation of actors, particularly Black performers who view her as a pioneering figure in entertainment.
While the updated version introduces more polish and spectacle than the original, it remains a tribute to Goldberg’s creativity and a call for empathy and recognition of often overlooked human experiences. The ensemble’s interpretations reaffirm the ongoing relevance and emotional depth of the monologues, preserving the spirit of the original production while celebrating its artistic legacy.