Paradise Square Tickets

An overlooked tale from American history

Telling the story of Civil War-era Black and Irish communities in New York, new musical Paradise Square premieres on Broadway at the Barrymore Theatre. 

Set in Lower Manhattan’s Five Points slum, the musical follows members of the community including a Black woman who owns the local saloon, a newly arrived Irish immigrant, a songwriter, and an abolitionist. Inspired by the 1863 draft riots, Paradise Square follows these individuals as they confront what it means to be American in one of the country’s most tumultuous periods.

Inspired by the raucous dance contests held at local bars, Bill T. Jones’ choreography features Black American juba and Irish step dancing, two styles which eventually formed American tap dance. 

Paradise Square is directed by Moisés Kaufman, with a book by Christina Anderson, Craig Lucas, Marcus Gardley and Larry Kirwan. Music, inspired by and reimagining early American song, is by Jason Howland, Nathan Tysen and Masi Asare. 

Depicting a community whose values of unity and community were shaken by a country at war, Paradise Square tickets promise an uplifting and galvanizing glimpse of history on Broadway.