Duke and Roya, Your summer off-broadway must see

Pinch me, I must be dreaming? Nope? Still here. Last weekend, in true fan girl fashion, I checked out one of my favorite actors, Jay Ellis, in Duke and Roya. When I first heard of his off-Broadway debut, I thought visiting New York and checking out a showing would be dope. I’m ashamed even to say this, but this former theatre girl herself and lover of the arts has not been to a show in New York. I know, very surprising, but everything happens for a reason. I finally got to experience my very first Broadway play in New York City, and the experience exceeded every expectation. Seeing one of my all-time favorite actors, Jay Ellis, make his Broadway debut in Duke & Roya made it even more meaningful.

I’ve followed Jay Ellis since his early days on The Game, and it’s been incredible to watch his evolution—from TV roles to major films, and now the Broadway stage. His growth as an artist has always felt intentional, and I believe he is setting himself up to be, if not already, the go-to leading man. As Duke, Jay delivered a performance that was both intimate and expansive. He held the entire theater in stillness. His portrayal was emotionally layered—full of unspoken longing, restrained anger, vulnerability, and truth. There were moments that I felt were reminiscent of his character Lawrence, but still, the different themes and layers of the play brought in something different.

Much of his performance echoed the themes of his recent memoir, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend or Just Me? The internal dialogues, the reflections on identity, masculinity, and emotional suppression—those lived experiences were all there, woven into Duke’s story. Watching Jay on stage felt like watching the pages of his book come alive. Duke wasn’t just a character; he was a vessel of memory and introspection, and seeing him as a rapper was an added bonus.

And then—there was Roya.

Stephanie Nur, Roya was making her own Broadway debut, and let me tell you—she was phenomenal. From her first moment on stage, she radiated presence. Roya’s character is complex: warm yet guarded, graceful yet defiant, and she brought all that to life with breathtaking clarity. It’s rare to witness two debuts with such power in a single production

And I have to give a special mention to  Noma Dumezweni as Desiree Anderson‑Duke, Duke’s mother. Her performance gave Olivia Pope’s father from Scandal vibes—unapologetically commanding, emotionally intense, and masterfully delivered. She didn’t just play a mother—she portrayed the weight of generational pain, love, and sacrifice. Every word she spoke landed like a lesson passed down. Hands down, every time she entered a scene, I was blown away.

Duke & Roya is a poetic exploration of love, identity, generational wounds, and the quiet ways we try to heal. The piece's timing and setting also seem necessary right now.

As a first Broadway experience, this play was everything I didn’t know I needed. I laughed, I cried, I reflected—and I left inspired.

If you’re ever in NYC—see it. Duke & Roya isn’t just a play. Get your tickets for Duke & Roya at the Lucille Lortel Theatre through August 24, 2025. Tickets are available via TodayTix (starting at $49) or Ticketmaster