Charlayne Woodard Examines Definitions of Parenthood in The Night Watcher

Charlayne Woodard does not have any biological children, but she is very concerned about her kids. Who are her kids? Not only is Woodard a godmother 11 times over, she is simultaneously a best friend, advisor, confidant and sage to the many young people who call her “auntie.” And when Woodard is concerned, she doesn’t write a letter to the editor or attend a seminar, she creates a show. The writer/performer’s newest piece, an intimate solo piece called The Night Watcher, reunites her with Tony-winning director Daniel Sullivan. The pair collaborated on three previous solos shows: Pretty Fire, Neat and In Real Life. The new work, which opens on October 6 at Primary Stages, is an intimate look at the various definitions of parenthood. Broadway.com visited an early rehearsal of the piece to find out more.