# Mexodus > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Mexodus > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Mexodus.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexodus > Source revision: 1357304579 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|Musical}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox Musical |name = Mexodus |subtitle = |image = File:Mexodus_Official_Poster.webp |caption = 2026 [Off-Broadway](/source/Off-Broadway) production poster |music = [Brian Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) and Nygel D. Robinson |lyrics = [Brian Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) and Nygel D. Robinson |book = [Brian Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) and Nygel D. Robinson |productions = 2024 [Baltimore Center Stage](/source/Baltimore_Center_Stage)
2024 Mosaic Theatre Company
2025 [Berkeley Repertory Theatre](/source/Berkeley_Repertory_Theatre)
2025 [Off-Broadway](/source/Off-Broadway)
2026 [Off-Broadway](/source/Off-Broadway) Revival
2026 U.S. National Tour }} '''''Mexodus''''' is a [hip-hop](/source/hip-hop) [musical](/source/musical_theatre) with music, lyrics, book, and orchestrations by [Brian Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) and Nygel D. Robinson which premiered at the [Baltimore Center Stage](/source/Baltimore_Center_Stage) in 2024 before premiering [Off-Broadway](/source/Off-Broadway) in 2025, and again in 2026.{{cite web |title=Mexodus Will Return Off‑Broadway |url=https://playbill.com/article/mexodus-will-return-off-broadway |website=Playbill |author=Logan Culwell‑Block |date=January 20, 2026 |access-date=April 4, 2026}} The show tells the story of the [Underground Railroad](/source/Underground_Railroad)'s southern route that crossed the [Rio Grande](/source/Rio_Grande) into [Mexico](/source/Mexico), and received widespread acclaim.{{cite web |title=Mexodus |url=https://www.p3.productions/shows/mexodus/ |website=P3 Productions |access-date=April 4, 2026}} ==Synopsis== The musical draws from the true accounts of African Americans who fled slavery by journeying south into Mexico on the [Underground Railroad](/source/Underground_Railroad). Creators Nygel D. Robinson and [Brian Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) perform every role themselves and provide all the music, infused with [hip-hop](/source/hip-hop), using a looping station to build each song’s arrangement live on stage for the audience each night.{{cite web |title=Mexodus Will Return Off‑Broadway |url=https://playbill.com/article/mexodus-will-return-off-broadway |website=Playbill |author=Logan Culwell‑Block |date=January 20, 2026 |access-date=April 4, 2026}} Robinson portrays Henry, an enslaved man in Texas following its annexation by the United States. Seeking freedom, Henry escapes across the [Rio Grande](/source/Rio_Grande) into Mexico, where slavery had been abolished. There he encounters Carlos, played by [Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada), and the two form a deep connection, shaped in part by their shared anger toward a common oppressor. Eventually, they choose to join forces in their struggle, even as events ultimately lead them down separate paths.{{cite web |title=Theatre Review: ‘Mexodus’ at Center Stage |url=https://mdtheatreguide.com/2024/03/theatre-review-mexodus-at-center-stage/ |website=Maryland Theatre Guide |author=Max Garner |date=March 23, 2024 |access-date=April 4, 2026}} ==Productions== The production first premiered at [Baltimore Center Stage](/source/Baltimore_Center_Stage) in 2024, running from March 14 to April 7, featuring [Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) and Robinson and directed by David Mendizábal. It received praise, with the ''Maryland Theatre Guide'' calling it "thrilling"{{cite web |title=Theatre Review: ‘Mexodus’ at Center Stage |url=https://mdtheatreguide.com/2024/03/theatre-review-mexodus-at-center-stage/ |website=Maryland Theatre Guide |author=Max Garner |date=March 23, 2024 |access-date=April 4, 2026}} and ''DC Theatre Arts'' calling it "electrifying."{{cite web |title=Electrifying *Mexodus* Sets Erased Black American History to Hip‑Hop at Baltimore Center Stage |url=https://dctheaterarts.org/2024/03/24/electrifying-mexodus-sets-erased-black-american-history-to-hip-hop-at-baltimore-center-stage/ |website=DC Theater Arts |author=Ken Jaworowski |date=March 24, 2024 |access-date=April 4, 2026}} Sound designer [Mikhail Fiksel](/source/Mikhail_Fiksel)'s work with live-looping was also singled out for praise.{{cite web |title=Loop Dreams: The Long Journey of ‘Mexodus’ |url=https://www.americantheatre.org/2026/03/17/loop-dreams-the-long-journey-of-mexodus/ |website=American Theatre |author=Rob Weinert‑Kendt |date=March 17, 2026 |access-date=April 4, 2026}} Following its run in [Baltimore](/source/Baltimore), the show premiered in [Washington, DC](/source/Washington%2C_DC) at the Mosaic Theatre Company{{cite web |title=Mexodus by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson — Mosaic Theater |url=https://mosaictheater.org/plays/2023-2024-mexodus |website=Mosaic Theater |access-date=April 5, 2026}}, running May 16, 2024 to June 15, 2024 with the same creative and performance team. Following further acclaim{{cite web |title=‘Mexodus’ Is a Thrilling Feat of Theater (Review) |url=https://www.metroweekly.com/2024/05/mexodus-is-a-thrilling-feat-of-theater-review/ |website=Metro Weekly |author=André Hereford |date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=April 5, 2026}}, it moved to the [Berkeley Repertory Theatre](/source/Berkeley_Repertory_Theatre), where director Mendizábal served as Associate Artistic Director.{{cite web |title=Review: Berkeley Rep’s musical ‘Mexodus’ an ingenious history lesson with humor and heart |url=https://localnewsmatters.org/2024/09/20/review-berkeley-reps-musical-mexodus-an-ingenious-history-lesson-with-humor-and-heart/ |website=Local News Matters |author=Leslie Katz |date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=April 5, 2026}} In 2025, the show premiered [Off-Broadway](/source/Off-Broadway) in [New York City](/source/New_York_City) at the [Minetta Lane Theatre](/source/Minetta_Lane_Theatre) produced by P3 Productions and [Audible Theatre](/source/Audible_(service)), running September 18 to November 1. This production was also recorded for the [Audible](/source/Audible_(service)) platform as an Audible Original.{{cite web |title=Loop Dreams: The Long Journey of ‘Mexodus’ |url=https://www.americantheatre.org/2026/03/17/loop-dreams-the-long-journey-of-mexodus/ |website=American Theatre |author=Rob Weinert‑Kendt |date=March 17, 2026 |access-date=April 4, 2026}}The show received rave reviews, with ''[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)'' calling it "a dazzling showcase not just for what music can be, but also for the ecstasy of making it"{{cite web |title=‘Mexodus’ Review: A History Musical With Thrilling Loop‑the‑Loops |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/19/theater/mexodus-review-audible.html |website=The New York Times |author=Brittani Samuel |date=2025-09-19 |access-date=2026-04-05}} and ''New York Theatre Guide'' naming it a "stunning musical spotlight."{{cite web |title='Mexodus' Off‑Broadway review — lost history gets a stunning musical spotlight |url=https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/reviews/mexodus-off-broadway-review |website=New York Theatre Guide |author=Austin Fimmano |date=September 18, 2025 |access-date=April 5, 2026}} The original [Off-Broadway](/source/Off-Broadway) production was nominated for nine [Lucille Lortel Awards](/source/Lucille_Lortel_Awards), the most of any production.{{cite web |title=MEXODUS and PRINCE F*GGOT Lead 2026 Lucille Lortel Nominations |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/MEXODUS-and-PRINCE-FGGOT-Lead-2026-Lucille-Lortel-Nominations-20260401 |website=BroadwayWorld |date=April 1, 2026 |access-date=April 1, 2026}} The production returned [Off-Broadway](/source/Off-Broadway) for a revival, running March 6 to June 14, 2026 at the [Daryl Roth Theatre](/source/Daryl_Roth_Theatre){{cite web |title=Mexodus Will Return Off‑Broadway |url=https://playbill.com/article/mexodus-will-return-off-broadway |website=Playbill |author=Logan Culwell‑Block |date=January 20, 2026 |access-date=April 4, 2026}}, and has also announced a national tour, kicking off at the [Pasadena Playhouse](/source/Pasadena_Playhouse) in July 2026.{{cite web |title=Loop Dreams: The Long Journey of ‘Mexodus’ |url=https://www.americantheatre.org/2026/03/17/loop-dreams-the-long-journey-of-mexodus/ |website=American Theatre |author=Rob Weinert‑Kendt |date=March 17, 2026 |access-date=April 4, 2026}} ==Awards and nominations== ===2024 [Washington, D.C.](/source/Washington%2C_D.C.) production=== {| class="wikitable sortable" !Year !Award !Category !Nominee !Result !Ref. |- !rowspan=3|2025 |rowspan=3|[Helen Hayes Award](/source/Helen_Hayes_Award) |colspan=2|Outstanding Production - Musical |{{won}} |rowspan=3|{{cite web |title=Theatre Washington celebrates 41st Helen Hayes Awards |url=https://dctheaterarts.org/2025/05/20/theatre-washington-celebrates-41st-helen-hayes-awards/ |website=DC Theater Arts |date=May 20, 2025 |access-date=April 5, 2026}} |- |Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical |[Brian Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) |{{won}} |- |Outstanding Director of a Musical |David Mendizábal |{{won}} |} ===2025 [Off-Broadway](/source/Off-Broadway) production=== {| class="wikitable sortable" !Year !Award !Category !Nominee !Result !Ref. |- |rowspan=34 align=center|2026 |rowspan=9|[Lucille Lortel Award](/source/Lucille_Lortel_Award) |colspan=2|[Outstanding Musical](/source/Lucille_Lortel_Award_for_Outstanding_Musical) |{{won}} |rowspan=9|{{cite web |title=MEXODUS and PRINCE F*GGOT Lead 2026 Lucille Lortel Nominations |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/MEXODUS-and-PRINCE-FGGOT-Lead-2026-Lucille-Lortel-Nominations-20260401 |website=BroadwayWorld |date=April 1, 2026 |access-date=April 1, 2026}} |- |[Outstanding Director](/source/Lucille_Lortel_Award_for_Outstanding_Director) |David Mendizábal |{{won}} |- |[Outstanding Choreographer](/source/Lucille_Lortel_Award_for_Outstanding_Choreographer) |Tony Thomas |{{nominated}} |- |rowspan=2|[Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical](/source/Lucille_Lortel_Award_for_Outstanding_Lead_Performer_in_a_Musical) |[Brian Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) |{{nominated}} |- |Nygel D. Robinson |{{won}} |- |[Outstanding Scenic Design](/source/Lucille_Lortel_Award_for_Outstanding_Scenic_Design) |Riw Rakkulchon |{{nominated}} |- |[Outstanding Lighting Design](/source/Lucille_Lortel_Award_for_Outstanding_Lighting_Design) |Mextly Couzin |{{nominated}} |- |[Outstanding Sound Design](/source/Lucille_Lortel_Award_for_Outstanding_Sound_Design) |[Mikhail Fiksel](/source/Mikhail_Fiksel) |{{won}} |- |[Outstanding Projection Design](/source/Lucille_Lortel_Award_for_Outstanding_Projection_Design) |Johnny Moreno |{{nominated}} |- |rowspan=4|[Drama League Award](/source/Drama_League_Award) |colspan=2|[Outstanding Production of a Musical](/source/Drama_League_Award_for_Outstanding_Production_of_a_Musical) |{{won}} |rowspan=4|{{cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |title=2026 Drama League Awards Nominations Are Out; Read the Full List |url=https://playbill.com/article/2026-drama-league-awards-nominations-are-out-read-the-full-list |website=Playbill |date=April 20, 2026 |access-date=2026-04-20}}{{cite web |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |title=Daniel Radcliffe, Luke Evans Among Drama League Award Nominees |url=https://deadline.com/2026/04/new-york-drama-league-award-nominees-2026-1236865723/ |website=Deadline |date=April 20, 2026 |access-date=2026-04-20}} |- |[Outstanding Direction of a Musical](/source/Drama_League_Award_for_Outstanding_Direction_of_a_Musical) |David Mendizábal |{{nom}} |- |rowspan=2|[Distinguished Performance](/source/Drama_League_Award_for_Distinguished_Performance) |[Brian Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) |{{nom}} |- |Nygel D. Robinson |{{nom}} |- |rowspan=10|[Outer Critics Circle Award](/source/Outer_Critics_Circle_Award) |colspan=2|[Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical](/source/Outer_Critics_Circle_Award_for_Outstanding_New_Off-Broadway_Musical) |{{won}} |rowspan=10|{{cite web |url=https://playbill.com/article/schmigadoon-ragtime-win-big-at-2026-outer-critics-circle-awards-read-the-full-list-of-winners |title=Schmigadoon!, Ragtime Win Big at 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards; Read the Full List of Winners |website=Playbill |access-date=May 11, 2026}}{{cite web |url=https://newyorktheater.me/2026/04/21/outer-critics-circle-award-2026-nominations/ |title=Outer Critics Circle Award 2026 Nominations |website=New York Theater |date=April 21, 2026 |access-date=April 23, 2026}} |- |[Outstanding Book of a Musical](/source/Outer_Critics_Circle_Award_for_Outstanding_Book_of_a_Musical) |rowspan=2|[Brian Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) and Nygel D. Robinson |{{nom}} |- |[Outstanding New Score](/source/Outer_Critics_Circle_Award_for_Outstanding_New_Score) |{{won}} |- |[Outstanding Director of a Musical](/source/Outer_Critics_Circle_Award_for_Outstanding_Director_of_a_Musical) |David Mendizábal |{{nom}} |- |[Outstanding Orchestrations](/source/Outer_Critics_Circle_Award_for_Outstanding_Orchestrations) |[Mikhail Fiksel](/source/Mikhail_Fiksel), [Brian Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) and Nygel D. Robinson |{{nom}} |- |rowspan=2|[Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical](/source/Outer_Critics_Circle_Award_for_Outstanding_Lead_Performer_in_an_Off-Broadway_Musical) |[Brian Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) |{{nom}} |- |Nygel D. Robinson |{{win}} |- |[Outstanding Lighting Design](/source/Outer_Critics_Circle_Award_for_Outstanding_Lighting_Design) |Mextly Couzin |{{nom}} |- |[Outstanding Projection Design](/source/Outer_Critics_Circle_Award_for_Outstanding_Projection_Design) |Johnny Moreno |{{nom}} |- |[Outstanding Sound Design](/source/Outer_Critics_Circle_Award_for_Outstanding_Sound_Design) |[Mikhail Fiksel](/source/Mikhail_Fiksel) |{{won}} |- |rowspan=10|[Drama Desk Award](/source/Drama_Desk_Award) |colspan=2|[Outstanding Musical](/source/Drama_Desk_Award_for_Outstanding_Musical) |{{nom}} |rowspan=10|{{cite web |title=2026 Drama Desk Award Nominations Announced: Full List |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/207042/2026-drama-desk-award-nominations-announced-full-list/ |website=Broadway.com |date=April 29, 2026 |access-date=April 30, 2026}}{{cite web |last=Culwell-Block |first=Logan |title=Beau, Mexodus Lead 2026 Drama Desk Award Nominations; Read the Full List Here |url=https://playbill.com/article/beau-mexodus-lead-2026-drama-desk-award-nominations-read-the-full-list-here |website=Playbill |date=April 29, 2026 |access-date=April 30, 2026}} |- |rowspan=2|[Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical](/source/Drama_Desk_Award_for_Outstanding_Lead_Performance_in_a_Musical) |[Brian Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) |{{nom}} |- |Nygel D. Robinson |{{nom}} |- |[Outstanding Direction of a Musical](/source/Drama_Desk_Award_for_Outstanding_Direction_of_a_Musical) |David Mendizábal |{{nom}} |- |[Outstanding Music](/source/Drama_Desk_Award_for_Outstanding_Music) |rowspan=3|[Brian Quijada](/source/Brian_Quijada) and Nygel D. Robinson |{{won}} |- |[Outstanding Lyrics](/source/Drama_Desk_Award_for_Outstanding_Lyrics) |{{nom}} |- |[Outstanding Book of a Musical](/source/Drama_Desk_Award_for_Outstanding_Book_of_a_Musical) |{{won}} |- |[Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical](/source/Drama_Desk_Award_for_Outstanding_Lighting_Design_of_a_Musical) |Mextly Couzin |{{nom}} |- |[Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical](/source/Drama_Desk_Award_for_Outstanding_Sound_Design_of_a_Musical) |[Mikhail Fiksel](/source/Mikhail_Fiksel) |{{won}} |- |[Outstanding Projection and Video Design](/source/Drama_Desk_Award_for_Outstanding_Projection_Design) |Johnny Moreno |{{nom}} |- |[Dorian Award](/source/Dorian_Award) |colspan=2|[Outstanding Off-Broadway Play](/source/Dorian_Award_for_Outstanding_Off-Broadway_Production) |{{won}} |{{cite web |last=Mandell |first=Jonathan |title=2026 Dorian Theater Award winners: Schmigadoon. Prince Faggot. Ragtime: Joshua. Junior. Quincy. Qween. |url=https://newyorktheater.me/2026/06/01/2026-dorian-theater-award-winners-schmigadoon-prince-faggot-ragtime-joshua-junior-quincy-qween/ |website=New York Theater |date=June 1, 2026 |access-date=June 1, 2026}} |} ==References== {{reflist|30em}} Category:2024 musicals Category:Off-Broadway musicals --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Mexodus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexodus) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexodus?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.