Sharon D Clarke

IMAGINE YOU’RE ABOUT TO MAKE YOUR BROADWAY DEBUT IN A HIGHLY anticipated, groundbreaking musical, only to have it all put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s exactly what happened to Sharon D Clarke, a veteran of London’s West End, who (runs until January 9). “The show will always be relevant because we’re holding up a mirror and saying: Where are we now? How far have we come? We’re still telling the same story.” Set in 1963 Louisiana, the story revolves around a Black domestic worker for a Jewish family struggling with a changing world. “It’s all about how change has to be less talk and more action.” The singular uniqueness of the character Caroline isn’t lost on Clarke. “To have someone like her, where the story pivots around her, her emotions, her depth of character, her strength, that’s unusual.” She hopes the impact of her character leads to change. “She’s a joy to play because you’re honoring these women who never get recognition in entertainment in that way.”