A new stage production of The Whoopi Monologues is bringing one of Whoopi Goldberg’s most celebrated works to a new generation of theater audiences. The production, now playing at Lincoln Center, features an ensemble cast led by Kerry Washington and directed by Whitney White, offering a fresh interpretation of Goldberg’s groundbreaking 1984 one-woman show.
The original production launched Goldberg’s career and introduced audiences to a collection of memorable characters whose stories explored identity, family, race, immigration, and everyday life. More than four decades later, the new adaptation expands the performance by sharing the roles among five actresses, each presenting a different perspective while honoring the spirit of the original work.
Kerry Washington, Kara Young, Dominique Fishback, Danielle Pinnock, and Kecia Lewis each portray one of the show’s central characters. The performers said the shared approach reflects the depth and variety of Goldberg’s original storytelling while allowing each actor to bring a personal interpretation to the stage.
Washington said it would take several performers to celebrate the creativity and talent that Goldberg brought to the original production. She also praised director Whitney White for guiding the ensemble through the new version of the play.
The cast said the production focuses on people whose stories are often overlooked. They believe the play creates space for voices that deserve to be heard and encourages audiences to see the experiences of different communities through a more personal lens.
Actor Pavar Snipe said she connected strongly with her character because of the realistic themes explored in the performance. She noted that the role addresses family relationships, aging, and life experiences that many women encounter but rarely discuss openly.
Danielle Pinnock said the production also allows her to celebrate her Jamaican American heritage. She believes the play reflects the immigrant experience in a meaningful way and hopes Caribbean audiences will see parts of their own stories represented on stage.
Kecia Lewis described the experience of working alongside the cast as both supportive and inspiring. She said the performers share a commitment to honoring Goldberg’s work while striving for excellence in every performance.
Dominique Fishback said the play continues to reveal new details each time the cast performs. She believes the writing remains powerful decades after it first appeared because of its emotional depth and timeless themes.
Washington reflected on Goldberg’s lasting influence on the entertainment industry. She said Goldberg’s work created opportunities for future generations of actors, writers, and directors while demonstrating the importance of telling authentic stories.
Lewis also shared memories of seeing the original production while she was in college. She said watching Goldberg perform inspired her by showing that artists could create original work based on their own experiences and perspectives. That experience, she added, became an important influence on her own career.
Kai Heath described taking part in the production as a meaningful personal milestone. She said Goldberg has long been one of her role models and that joining the cast is both an honor and a source of daily inspiration.
The performers said one of the production’s greatest strengths is its commitment to representation. The cast includes women from different backgrounds, generations, and life experiences, allowing audiences to see a broader range of stories and perspectives presented on stage.
Snipe also highlighted the importance of disability representation within the production. As a disabled actor playing a character without a disability, she said the opportunity reflects a broader commitment to inclusive casting and expanding opportunities in theater.
Cast members said audiences can expect humor, emotion, and thoughtful storytelling throughout the performance. They hope the production will introduce a new generation to Goldberg’s influential work while celebrating the originality, creativity, and lasting impact of one of the most important performances in modern American theater.
