Norm Lewis Stars in Revival of Ceremonies in Dark Old Men

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Broadway icon Norm Lewis returns to the New York stage in Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, a powerful revival of Lonne Elder III’s seminal work, now playing at Theatre at St. Clements through May 18. In this rarely staged classic, Lewis takes on the role of Russell Parker, a once-charismatic vaudevillian turned aimless Harlem barber struggling to guide his fractured family through life in 1956.

This marks the first major New York production of Ceremonies in Dark Old Men in nearly 40 years, presented by The Peccadillo Theater Company, the Negro Ensemble Company Inc., and Eric Falkenstein. Directed by Clinton Turner Davis, the play explores the enduring dynamics of Black family life, ambition, loss, and redemption—making it as relevant today as it was in 1969 when it earned acclaim as a Pulitzer Prize runner-up.

For Norm Lewis, best known for his historic turn as the first African American Phantom in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera, and appearances in Scandal, Pose, and Da 5 Bloods, the role of Russell Parker is a profound personal and professional challenge. “This is only my third play in New York,” Lewis says. “Mostly I’ve worked in musical theatre, so doing a straight play like this—especially one so rich in language and legacy—is an honor.”

Set in mid-century Harlem, the story revolves around a family on the edge. Russell, a widowed father of three, spends his days reminiscing about his days on the stage while avoiding the hard truths of his family’s crumbling reality. His sons flirt with crime in search of quick wealth, while his daughter Adele holds the family together financially—growing increasingly resentful in the process. “There’s a lot of love in this family,” Lewis explains, “but there’s also tension, disappointment, and sacrifice. It’s a very human story.”

Ceremonies in Dark Old Men may be told through the lens of an African-American family, but its themes are universal. “We’ve had people from all backgrounds come to see the show and say, ‘That’s my uncle. That’s my father. That’s my family,’” Lewis says. “The writing is that good—it transcends time and culture.”

Originally staged by the Negro Ensemble Company, the play has been a launching pad for legendary actors like Denzel Washington, Billy Dee Williams, Keith David, and Laurence Fishburne. “I didn’t know the play before this production,” Lewis admits. “But when I did a deep dive and saw who had come before me, I realized the legacy I was stepping into. I just hope to do it justice.”

Despite his extensive résumé in musical theatre, Lewis relishes the freedom that straight plays offer. “With musicals, you’re locked into rhythm and timing. But with a play like this, there’s space to explore the cadence and emotional nuance of the language,” he says. Still, the challenge remains. “I read the script every day—even now during the run—because you always want to be sharp, especially when unexpected things happen in live theater.”

Performances run Thursday through Sunday, with evening and matinee shows. As the play’s limited engagement approaches its end date, audiences continue to fill the seats, some hoping for an extended run. “The feedback has been phenomenal,” Lewis shares. “People are moved. They’re emotional. They’re talking back to the stage. That kind of connection—it’s why I do this.”

Ceremonies in Dark Old Men isn’t just a return to the stage for Norm Lewis; it’s a return to form for a vital piece of American theater that still speaks volumes. For those in or visiting New York, this revival is a must-see—an evocative, timely production led by one of Broadway’s finest talents.

For tickets and more information, visit ThePeccadillo.com.

You can listen to the full interview with Norm Lewis on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience.