Tony Winner Joshua Henry and Julia Harriman to Lead New Musical 'The Conversation'

Joshua Henry, a recent Tony Award winner, will join Julia Harriman in the upcoming musical production, "The Conversation." This original work, co-created by Henry and Harriman, delves into the complexities of enduring romantic relationships. Scheduled to begin previews on November 17, with an official opening on December 7, the show will run for ten weeks Off-Broadway at the Astor Place Theatre, offering audiences a fresh perspective on love's journey.

Henry's involvement in "The Conversation" follows his successful stint in "Ragtime," which concludes in August. He recently earned a Tony Award for his outstanding performance in "Ragtime," bringing significant acclaim to his name. The musical is a collaborative effort, featuring a script by Nick Green and direction from Tony-winning Kenny Leon, known for his work on "A Raisin in the Sun."

The genesis of "The Conversation" dates back approximately four years when Harriman and Henry first met during the national tour of "Hamilton." Henry, who portrayed Aaron Burr, and Harriman, cast as Eliza Hamilton, discovered a shared passion for storytelling. Their musical explores the seven-year odyssey of characters Elle (Harriman) and Marcus (Henry), navigating the peaks and valleys inherent in a long-standing romance.

For Henry, this project signifies a return to his musical origins, drawing inspiration from soul and R&B artists like Marvin Gaye, John Legend, and Ella Fitzgerald. Having previously starred in several Broadway revivals, including "Violet," "Into the Woods," and "Carousel," Henry had expressed a keen interest in contributing to new theatrical works. This production fulfills that aspiration, allowing him to explore new creative avenues.

Although the musical was conceived before Henry's recent Tony win, he acknowledges that the increased public attention and momentum generated by the award will undoubtedly benefit the production. Henry views this as a pivotal moment in his artistic journey, stating that it allows him to showcase the breadth of his talents beyond his established roles in traditional musicals, reaffirming his connection to soul and R&B music.

The concept for "The Conversation" organically emerged from discussions between Harriman and Henry about personal relationships. These conversations led to the exchange of musical ideas, eventually drawing in playwright Nick Green, celebrated for his play "Casey and Diana," to further develop the narrative. Henry shared that the musical reflects the beauty and challenges of maintaining a vibrant, long-term relationship, drawing from his own twenty-year journey.

Harriman also found in this project a unique opportunity to infuse her personal musical influences and to craft a role that resonated deeply with her experiences, particularly in response to industry challenges. She candidly expressed that she often felt she didn't fit conventional casting molds, being deemed "not Asian enough" or "not white enough." Creating her own role allowed her to bring a much-desired representation and musical style to the stage.

The production is being brought to life by producers Mandy Hackett and Jenny Steingart, who are instrumental in supporting this innovative musical venture.

"The Conversation" represents a significant artistic collaboration for Joshua Henry and Julia Harriman, serving as a platform for their creative vision. This musical, which delves into the intricacies of long-term relationships through soul and R&B music, promises to offer a fresh and resonant theatrical experience. It not only showcases Henry's versatile talent following his recent Tony success but also provides Harriman with an opportunity to define her own narrative and musical identity, contributing a unique voice to the Off-Broadway scene under the guidance of acclaimed director Kenny Leon and writer Nick Green.