Marcus Callender is bringing a Black cultural tradition to stages across the country. The actor, known for his roles in Power and Wu-Tang: An American Saga, has announced a 76-show national tour of Spades: The Play, his debut as both playwright and director, a production ten years in the making.
Set in 2013 Harlem and based on true events in Callender’s life, Spades: The Play follows a close-knit group of twenty-somethings gathered for their weekly spades game. As the cards are dealt, playful banter turns to honest conversation about love, friendship and the blurred lines between the two. The production stars Broderick Clavery (Extrapolations) as Gill and Akilah A. Walker (The Chi) as Cori, with Derrick Alexander as Andre and Erin Nicole Washington as Nefertiti.
The tour kicks off with an exclusive one-night-only performance at the historic Studio Museum in Harlem on September 3, before hitting five cities:
- Washington D.C. at Culture House DC (Sept. 9-20)
- Los Angeles at Amazing Grace Conservatory (Sept. 23-Oct. 18)
- Atlanta at Cam Kirk Studios (Oct. 21-Nov. 15)
- New Orleans at Fire House Loft (Nov. 18-29)
- Miami during Art Basel (Dec. 2-6)
“For generations, the spades table has been a safe space for the Black community to be open, enjoy banter, and escape from the weight of everyday life,” Callender said. “I wanted to create a story that marries this rich and important mainstay of our lineage with a coming-of-age masterclass on both life and the game.”
The production is designed to challenge the traditional theatergoing experience. Card tables are set up throughout each venue so guests can play before and after the show, with an open bar and music at every performance. Sunday shows add a brunch with a live DJ and food from local Black chefs and restaurants, creating the feel of a cookout. Each stop is hosted at a culturally significant venue, including Culture House DC, a former Black church dating to the 1800s, and Wendy Raquel Robinson’s Amazing Grace Conservatory in Los Angeles.
The tour follows a four-week debut run in Harlem in November 2025. Sponsors include SheaMoisture as official haircare partner, Wine Culture Club as exclusive wine partner and Jim Beam as exclusive spirits partner.
Tickets are available exclusively through Posh at posh.vip/g/spadestheplay.