Still More Theater Saturday -Oh, Happy Day!

We received complimentary tickets to Oh, Happy Day! for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Oh, Happy Day!

Where: Public Theater

             425 Lafayette St.

              New York, NY 

Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up Due to Language and Adult Themes

When: Through November 2, 2025

Oh, Happy Day! is a retelling of the story of Noah's Ark, minus all the animals. The show unites the Tony-nominated team of playwright-actor Jordan E. Cooper and director Stevie Walker-Webb from Ain't No Mo. Cooper stars in the leading role of Keyshawn, the man who has been tasked with building a boat to save his family from an impending flood. However, it is not as simple as it may seem because there are secrets, anger, and resentments in this family, and they aren't going to be so easily persuaded that Keyshawn isn't just out of his mind. At heart, this is a beautiful story about forgiveness, reconciliation, and letting go of anger, something we all need to be reminded of, particularly in this moment. 

Although the show is not strictly a musical, it does include some stirring new gospel anthems written by Donald Lawrence, featuring the lovely harmonies of Tiffany Mann, Shelea Melody McDonald, and Latrice Pace as the Divines.  The rest of the cast consists of Briab D. Coats, Tamika Lawrence, and Donovan Lewis Bazemore all of whom shine in their roles, as does Cooper. 

Despite its Noah's Ark-related theme, this is not really a show for children due to strong language and adult themes. Those who are triggered by themes related to family conflict, queer identity, religion, and/or sexual abuse may also want to skip it. However, for the rest of us, it's definitely a show worth seeing. 

And that's our view. For more about Oh, Happy Day! or to purchase tickets, visit publictheater.org/productions/season/2526/oh-happy-day

Tune in tomorrow for this week's Sunday Scoop.

Photo credits:

All Oh, Happy Day production photos by Joan Marcus

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Address any concerns regarding image usage here.