Andrew Boszhardt, a New York City-based actor, writer, and producer, is making a powerful New York theatrical debut in Resurrection with three challenging and pivotal roles. This searing and poignant play, written by award-winning playwright and producer Anne L. Thompson-Scretching, is running from October 16 to October 27, 2024, at the John Cullum Theatre, 314 W 54th St., Fourth Floor, NYC. Known for his work in film, Boszhardt’s transition to the New York stage marked an important milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility and emotional depth as a performer.
Boszhardt’s role in Resurrection came at a crucial time. The production is staged against the backdrop of the first-ever federal investigation by the Department of Justice into the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, a historic event that destroyed the prosperous Black community of Greenwood, also known as Black Wall Street. This timing infused the revival with a heightened sense of urgency and relevance, drawing attention to America’s continued reckoning with racial injustice. Through the lens of Resurrection, audiences were asked to confront the painful realities of the past while contemplating the ongoing struggles for racial equity today.
Boszhardt’s performance in Resurrection stands out for its emotional range and complexity. He portrayed each character representing societal forces that contributed to the tragic events of the Tulsa Race Massacre. His roles embodied the destructive contempt, jealousy, and resentment harbored by many toward the African American community’s success. With each character, Boszhardt has skillfully navigated the intricacies of hate, fear, and division, bringing a human face to the forces of racism and violence that led to the massacre. His portrayal adds layers of depth to the narrative, helping audiences better understand the emotions and motivations behind this atrocity.
| Resurrection at the John Cullum Stage at the American Theatre of Actors
While Boszhardt is best known for his work in film, his theatrical debut in Resurrection demonstrated his ability to move seamlessly between mediums. His recent film work includes writing, producing, and starring in the upcoming feature-length horror/thriller Breed of Greed, alongside a talented cast including Gina Gershon, Adrian Enscoe, and Madison Lewis. The film is set to screen at the LA International Horror Film Festival over Halloween weekend, with a New York premiere planned for mid-November. Boszhardt has also worked on notable projects such as Cutman, where he worked alongside industry heavyweights Bill Fichtner and Chris Noth. His diverse body of work highlights his talent not only as an actor but also as a creative force, consistently delivering compelling and thought-provoking performances.
In Resurrection, Thompson-Scretching’s masterful storytelling paints a vivid and tragic picture of the Tulsa Race Massacre. The play explores the lives of the thriving Black community in Tulsa’s Greenwood District—focusing on their successes as business owners and homeowners—before exposing their destruction at the hands of a white supremacist mob. What sets Resurrection apart is its supernatural elements, offering a haunting and deeply reflective piece that forces audiences to confront the ghosts of the past. Thompson-Scretching’s work speaks not only to historical injustices but also to the ongoing relevance of these events in today’s society, urging viewers to reckon with the past in the pursuit of a more just future.
Following its critically acclaimed run at the Oklahoma City Performing Arts Center, where it earned a nomination for the OK Broadway Theater Award, Resurrection is captivating New York audiences with its emotional intensity and powerful message. Thompson-Scretching’s return to the American Theatre of Actors with this bold and resonant production, once again proves her ability to shed light on the darkest chapters of American history while inspiring critical dialogue on issues that remain unresolved today.
Andrew Boszhardt
For Boszhardt, Resurrection not only marks his debut on the New York stage but also solidifies his reputation as a dynamic performer capable of tackling complex and difficult roles. His contributions to the production, combined with Thompson-Scretching’s masterful writing and direction, ensure that Resurrection will leave an indelible mark on audiences—encouraging reflection on the past while looking toward a more equitable future.
Published by: Holy Minoza
