'Shifters' to extend off Broadway for the second time

Benedict Lombe's play has added a second extension after opening to critical acclaim in its North American premiere off Broadway.

Summary

• Shifters has extended at Cherry Lane Theatre through September 20
• Charity Bedu-Addo succeeds Heather Agyepong in the role of Des for the extended run
• Benedict Lombe's acclaimed play makes its off Broadway premiere after two successful runs in London

The critically acclaimed North American premiere of Shifters at the Cherry Lane Theatre has announced a second and final extension. Originally scheduled to play through August 30, the production will now extend through September 20.

Shifters previously played in London at Off-West End venue the Bush Theatre and in the West End in 2024. Olivier Award-nominated playwright Benedict Lombe's story of two young lovers, Des and Dre, follows them as they re-enter each other's orbits after spending some years apart. New struggles manifest as they navigate a relationship with fresh secrets and old scars.

Daniel Ezra, who has played Dre since the start of the New York premiere, is joined by Charity Bedu-Addo as Des for the remainder of the production’s extended run. She succeeds Heather Agyepong, who received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in the West End run. The production is directed by BAFTA nominee Lynette Linton.

"Shifters deserves celebration as a distinctly Black love story written with a clear depth of care, authenticity, humor, and thoughtful poetry by Congolese British playwright Benedict Lombe," New York Theatre Guide’s critic wrote.

Get tickets for Shifters on New York Theatre Guide.

Photo credit: Heather Agyepong and Daniel Ezra. (Photos by David Reiss and Dalvin Adams)