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02.01 – 03.05.2023
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Pastor Albert Jones and his family are proud leaders of the Mother Bethel Baptist Church and pillars of their community. Plans are being made for a special memorial service to honor their late daughter Diane on the sixth anniversary of her passing. But when Abdul-Malik, the eldest son whom Albert blames for her death, returns home from prison, the family’s veneer begins to crack as shocking revelations come to light. A ferocious new epic written by Lee Edward Colston II, The First Deep Breath chronicles the depths families will go to hide their skeletons from the outside world and each other.
Masks are no longer required for most performances, but are encouraged. Learn More
Performance Information
Strobe Lighting Effects • Theatrical Haze and Smoke EffectsContent Advisory: This production contains profanity, sexual themes, staged combat, and adult subject matter.Age Recommendation: 14+All Geffen Playhouse productions are intended for an adult audience; children under 6 years of age will not be admitted.Cast Notice: The role of “Pastor Albert Melvin Jones III” will be performed by Herb Newsome.
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AJ (Alexander Michael Jones)
Abdul-Malik (Albert Melvin Jones IV)
Leslie Carter
Ruth Jones
Pastor Albert Melvin Jones III
Pearl Thomas
Dee-Dee (Denise Jones)
Tyree Fisher
u/s Tyree Fisher, Leslie Carter
u/s Abdul-Malik (Albert Melvin Jones IV)
u/s Ruth Jones, Pearl Thomas
u/s Dee Dee (Denise Jones)
u/s AJ (Alexander Michael Jones)
The First Deep Breath Production Photos
The First Deep Breath Behind-The-Scenes Photos
Interview with Lee Edward Colston II | The Official Black Magazine
02.08.2023 / Los Angeles Times
02.08.2023 / Hollywood Soapbox
02.01.2023 / Playbill
02.01.2023 / Los Angeles Daily News
01.29.2023 / Los Angeles Magazine
01.28.2023 / The Hollywood Reporter
01.24.2023 / The Official Black Magazine
01.05.2023 / The Official Black Magazine
01.03.2023 / Playbill
01.03.2023 / Broadway World