Ain’t No Mo’ Broadway Play Extends Its Run Thanks to Celebrity Support

The Broadway play Ain’t No Mo’ has been given a new lease on life after a successful campaign led by high-profile celebrities, ensuring the show will run for at least one more week.

A host of Hollywood stars played a pivotal role in extending the show beyond its scheduled closing night.

Jordan E. Cooper, the star and playwright of Ain’t No Mo’, portrays Peaches, a fearless flight attendant. He shared the exciting news with the Thursday evening audience, telling them, “I want to let you know how powerful you are because we have been extended for another week.”

Just days before the extension, Cooper thought the show’s run was over.

In an interview with CBS2’s Dave Carlin at the Civilian Hotel in New York’s Theater District, Cooper explained, “Honestly, I was staring at the opening night flowers when I heard about the closing notice.”

When Carlin asked how the extension came about, Cooper explained, “It just didn’t sit right with me. You know, I always say I don’t mind going down, but I don’t believe in going down without a fight. So, I sent out a call to action to the communities at large.”

Cooper launched a social media campaign, which quickly gained traction. As ticket sales surged, major celebrities began showing their support.

“Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith bought out a house for the show, then we moved to Tyler Perry, who also bought out a house, and then Shonda Rhimes and Sara Ramirez joined in,” Cooper shared. “I’m so honored and humbled by their support.”

Cooper, who began writing plays at the age of 10 in Hearst, Texas, eventually moved to New York City, where he graduated from The New School. At the age of 27, he became what is believed to be the youngest Black playwright in Broadway history.

Now, thanks to the extended run, more theatergoers will get the opportunity to experience his bold, thought-provoking play.

When asked by Carlin to describe the play, Cooper said, “Ain’t No Mo’ is essentially a story about what would happen if every Black person in America received an email saying they had to return to Africa, and you watch as these characters across the country decide whether or not they’re getting on the final flight out of America.”

As the campaign continues to gain momentum, Cooper remains hopeful that Ain’t No Mo’ will secure further opportunities to stay on Broadway for even longer.

Last season, a similar grassroots movement helped extend the run of the revival of for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf, highlighting the power of community-driven efforts to support theater.

About Dave Carlin: Dave Carlin is a reporter for CBS2 News, covering breaking news stories and major events in the Tri-State area.