A groundbreaking musical exploring a little-known chapter of American history is returning to New York this spring following a critically acclaimed run last year. Mexodus, written and performed by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson, will resume performances March 6 at the Daryl Roth Theatre for a limited 10-week engagement.
The production, choreographed by Tony Thomas and directed by David Mendizábal, returns to the stage after a twice-extended run at Minetta Lane Theatre in fall 2025. Presented by P3 Productions in collaboration with Audible Theater, the show has been praised by critics, including being named a New York Times Critic’s Pick.
Blending music, storytelling and live looping technology, Mexodus takes audiences on a journey through a lesser-known path to freedom during the era of American slavery. While the Underground Railroad is widely known for helping enslaved people escape north, the musical focuses on those who fled south across the Rio Grande into Mexico.
Through a high-energy performance that uses an array of instruments layered in real time, Quijada and Robinson tell the story of a freedom seeker and an unexpected ally whose bond transcends borders. The innovative staging transforms a chaotic assortment of instruments into a fully realized musical score, created live during each performance.
The creators say the audience response during the show’s previous run fueled their excitement to bring the production back.
“The energy and enthusiasm audiences brought to Mexodus last fall was CRAZY and we can’t wait to bring it back to New York,” Quijada and Robinson said in a statement. “From the stage to the global Audible release, we’re honored to extend the reach of this story of solidarity.”
Producers Ben Holtzman, Sammy Lopez and Fiona Howe Rudin said the show’s themes of belonging and unity resonate strongly with audiences today.
The musical will also reach listeners worldwide when it is released as an Audible Original on June 18 through Audible, expanding the production beyond the theater to millions of subscribers globally.
Mexodus was previously developed and staged at several prominent institutions, including Baltimore Center Stage, Mosaic Theater Company of DC and Berkeley Repertory Theatre.
Critics have praised the show’s inventive format and powerful storytelling. The New York Times described it as “an electrifying theatrical experience,” while other reviews have called it a tour de force and a bold example of inventive musical theater.
The limited engagement at the Daryl Roth Theatre will run through May 17, giving audiences a short window to experience the innovative production live before its wider release in audio form later this year. Tickets are currently on sale through the show’s official website.