Ensemble Cast Brings Whoopi Goldberg's Solo Classic to Stage as 'The Whoopi Monologues' Opens at Lincoln Center

The Whoopi Monologues officially opened on July 13 at Lincoln Center's Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, reimagining Whoopi Goldberg's groundbreaking 1984 one-woman show as a five-woman ensemble piece. The production stars Kerry Washington, Kara Young, Dominique Fishback, Kecia Lewis, and Danielle Pinnock, with understudies Kai Heath, Denise Manning, and Pavar Snipe rounding out the company. BroadwayWorld reported that the show is directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Whitney White.

BroadwayWorldPhotos: Kerry Washington and More in THE WHOOPI MONOLOGUES at Lincoln Center Theater

Broadway described the reimagining as a "powerful and cathartically comedic ensemble piece" that brings Goldberg's iconic characters to life through multiple performers. The original show, which launched Goldberg's career, is now reframed with five actresses each taking on different monologues. The production runs through August 30.

BroadwayFirst Look: The Whoopi Monologues With Kerry Washington, Kara Young & More

Opening night drew a glamorous crowd, with Whatfinger and Page Six noting the presence of Whoopi Goldberg herself, along with Kerry Washington and Angela Bassett. Among the attendees, CelebMafia reported that "Emmy Rossum chose a black slip dress whose tone-on-tone embroidery stays visible against the bright theater backdrop."

3 sources

Whatfinger‘The Whoopi Monologues’ Off-Broadway opening night: Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington, Angela Bassett and morePage Six‘The Whoopi Monologues’ Off-Broadway opening night: Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington, Angela Bassett and moreCelebMafiaEmmy Rossum at The Whoopi Monologues Opening Night July 2026

A significant cast change is already on the horizon. Blex Media reported that "Jurnee Smollett will join the company of The Whoopi Monologues at Lincoln Center Theater beginning Tuesday, August 4, succeeding Kerry Washington, who plays her final performance in the production on Sunday, August 2." Reviews for the production were compiled by playbill.com following the opening.

2 sources

playbill.comRead the Reviews for The Whoopi Monologues Off-BroadwayBlex MediaJurnee Smollett to Join The Whoopi Monologues, Succeeding Kerry Washington