Lincoln Center Theater's production of A Free Man of Color has pushed back its first preview performance to October 23. The show, written by John Guare and directed by George C. Wolfe, was originally set to begin previews on October 21. Opening night is still set for November 18 at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. The delay will allow for "additional technical rehearsal time," according to a press release from the show.
Described as a freewheeling epic set in 1801 New Orleans, A Free Man of Color centers on title character Jacques Cornet (Jeffrey Wright), a new world Don Juan and the wealthiest inhabitant of this sexually charged and racially progressive city. Jacques thinks all is well in his paradise until history intervenes, setting off a chain of events which no one, much less this free man of color, realizes is about to splinter the world.
Also featured in the 32-member cast are Paul Dano as Meriwether, mos as Murmur/Toussaint L’Ouverture, Veanne Cox as Mme. Mandragola/Dona Polissena/Livingston, Peter Bartlett as Mercure/Creux, Nicole Beharie as Margery Jolicoeur, Justina Machado as Dona Smeralda/Josephine, Joseph Marcell as Dr. Toubib, John McMartin as Jefferson and Reg Rogers as Princepousse.