Anika Noni Rose Joins Broadway’s The Balusters, Replacing Renée Elise Goldsberry
- Je-Ree
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Broadway musical chairs have claimed another victim or rather, a victory. In a move that has the theater world clutching its Playbills, Tony winner Anika Noni Rose has officially joined the cast of the upcoming Broadway world premiere of The Balusters. She steps into the role of Kyra Marshall, replacing fellow Tony powerhouse Renée Elise Goldsberry, who reportedly had to exit due to those pesky "scheduling conflicts" that usually translate to "a better TV contract came along." Perhaps the role she has taken on in the new series Cupertino, where we reported on here.
A Schuyler Sister Swap?
The irony of this casting isn't lost on anyone with a pulse and a Disney+ subscription. For those who missed the deep-cut trivia, Rose actually played Angelica Schuyler in the original Vassar workshop of Hamilton before Goldsberry took the role to legendary, Tony-winning heights on Broadway. Now, Rose is the one coming in to pick up the mantle. It’s a full-circle moment that feels less like a replacement and more like a cosmic correction.
What We Know About 'The Balusters'
Produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club, The Balusters is the latest brainchild of Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire. With Kenny Leon directing, the production already had "Award Season Bait" written all over it. Adding Rose, who remains one of the most versatile performers of her generation only ups the ante.
Rose joins an ensemble that is frankly overqualified for one stage, including Richard Thomas, Marylouise Burke, and Margaret Colin. While losing Goldsberry is a sting, Rose brings a specific, sharp-edged vulnerability that fits Lindsay-Abaire’s often biting, suburban-gothic style like a glove.
Mark Your Calendars (If You Can Get Tickets)
Previews for The Balusters are set to begin at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, with the official opening night scheduled for April 21, 2026.
Expect the box office to be a bloodbath. Between the Princess and the Frog stans and the "serious theater" crowd, seats will be scarce. Rose’s return to the Broadway stage is a legitimate event, and seeing her navigate a world premiere of this caliber is exactly why we tolerate the $20 lobby cocktails.
Do you want to dive deeper into Anika Noni Rose’s Broadway history or check out the latest ticket prices for the Friedman Theatre?