August 11 – 28, 2022

By Antoinette Nwandu
Directed by Christopher burris^

“Blazingly theatrical and thrillingly tense.”
– The New York Times

“Surreal and morbidly funny. Nwandu’s theatrical idiom — the heartsick poetry of profanity applied to the raging anger of deep existential pain — is its own kind of beautiful. This playwright’s voice can be a joy to hear, and her language is often blistering.”
  – Variety

This compelling new drama was a sensation on Broadway in 2021. In Pass Over, Moses and Kitch hang out on the corner – talking trash, passing the time, and hoping that maybe today will be different. As they dream of their promised land a stranger wanders into their space and derails their plans. Emotional and lyrical, Pass Over crafts everyday profanities into poetic and humorous riffs, exposing the unquestionable human spirit of young Black men looking for a way out. A provocative riff on Waiting for Godot and the Book of Exodus, Pass Over is a rare piece of politically charged theater by a bold new American voice.

Pass Over will feature Brandon Carter*, KP Powell*, and James Keegan*.

From Artistic Director Brandon Carter
What is so beautiful about this play is how it is in conversation with ASC’s mission and our love of language. Pass Over’s relationship with Samuel Beckett’s existential drama Waiting for Godot and the Exodus story from the Bible places this contemporary masterwork among classic texts, while Nwandu’s poetry and rich characters will give us a glimpse of the social and psychological effects of being Black in America.

Content Warning: Pass Over contains very strong, racially-loaded language, adult themes, and violence. Read about its recent Broadway production here. 

Have questions about attending a show? Check our FAQ here.


updated 8.4.2022

Beginning with the opening of Pass Over  on August 11, 2022 the ASC will no longer require proof of vaccination or universal masking. We strongly encourage patrons to mask when possible. ASC is monitoring local, state, and federal guidelines and will update this policy as necessary.


* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

^ The Director is a Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union

“Pass Over” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Artistic Team

THIS SEASON: Director – Pass Over

Nia Safarr Banks

Costume Designer

THIS SEASON: Costume Designer for The Merry Wives of Windsor

THIS SEASON: Stage Manager

Kyle Conn* *

Assistant Stage Manager

THIS SEASON: Assistant Stage Manager – Pass Over

Headshot of Thomas J. Coppola, production manager at the ASC, wearing red glasses, a black cap, and a headset, smiles warmly. He is dressed in a black polo shirt featuring the American Shakespeare Center logo, set against a neutral background.

Thomas J. Coppola *

Production Manager

Thomas J. Coppola was part of the American Shakespeare Center from 2015 to 2025.

Alaina Smith

Alaina Smith

Technical Director

Alaina Smith is the Props Artisan at the American Shakespeare Center.

Tevin Davis

Tevin Davis *

Music Director

THIS SEASON: Composer, Music Director

Benjamin Reed

Benjamin Reed *

Fight Director

Benjamin has been a resident company member with the American Shakespeare Center since 2014.

Doreen Bechtol, Movement Consultant for the American Shakespeare Center and Co-Program Director of the Shakespeare and Performance program at Mary Baldwin University, with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a black shirt, standing against a vibrant, leafy green background.

Doreen Bechtol

Movement Coach

Doreen Bechtol is a seasoned movement consultant, actor, and educator with extensive experience in theatre, choreography, and original devised works.

Headshot of Summer England, Actor at the American Shakespeare Center, featuring her with wavy blonde hair, a poised expression, and wearing a green top against a soft neutral background.

Summer England *

Choreographer

Summer England is a gifted actor whose compelling and elegant performances light up the ASC stage and beyond.

Marie Lupia, Costume Shop Manager at the American Shakespeare Center, with long, blonde hair, standing on the blackfriars playhouse stage in Staunton, VA.

Marie Lupia

Cutter/Draper/Wardrobe Assistant

Marie Lupia served at the American Shakespeare Center from 2022–2025.

Tori Wright, a Costume Designer and Wardrobe Supervisor at the American Shakespeare Center, with long, dark brown hair, wearing a black turtleneck, standing indoors against a wood-paneled background.

Tori Wright

First Hand & Wardrobe Assistant

Tori Wright is a skilled Costume Designer with a rich background in managing costumes for both classic & contemporary theatre.

Professional headshot of Jess Snellings, company member at the American Shakespeare Center, with straight shoulder-length light brown hair, wearing a teal spaghetti strap top and smiling slightly against a white background.

Jess Snellings

Stage Management Fellow

Jess Snellings is is a versatile performer and theatre artist whose dynamic talent shines in productions at ASC and beyond.

Charlie Mooz, a Stage Manager at the American Shakespeare Center, with long, wavy brown hair, wearing a white shirt and black jacket, standing outdoors against a lush, green background of trees.

Charlie Mooz *

Stage Management Fellow

Charlie Mooz is a dedicated Assistant Stage Manager and actor with experience in both classic and contemporary theatre.

Sam Moss

Sam Moss

Props Artisan

Sam Moss is a woodworker and singer-songwriter who has worked as a Props Artisan at the American Shakespeare Center.

Sarah White

Sarah White

Props Artisan

PREVIOUSLY WITH ASC: Props Artisan

Cast

Brandon Carter was the Artistic Director of the American Shakespeare Center from January 2022-March 2024.

K.P. Powell is an actor and director with the American Shakespeare Center, known for his dynamic performances and bold storytelling on stage and off.

James Keegan

James Keegan *

Mister, Ossifer

THIS SEASON: Antonio in The Tempest; Cleon, Simonides, Ensemble in Pericles; Prospero in Une Tempête

Tevin Davis

Tevin Davis *

u/s Moses, Kitch

THIS SEASON: Composer, Music Director

Ronan Melomo, Actor at the American Shakespeare Center,with short light brown hair and a subtle mustache, wearing a dark button-up shirt, poses against a dark background with a warm and confident expression.

Ronan Melomo

u/s Mister, Ossifer

Ronan Melomo is a versatile actor with a rich background in classical theatre, known for dynamic performances at the American Shakespeare Center.

* Actors' Equity Association (AEA)
‡ Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)