Actor Marcus Callender will bring 'Spades: The Play' to five cities on a tour.

Marcus Callender is bringing a cherished activity from Black culture to the spotlight in a whole new way. As an actor on the hit show "Power and Wu-Tang: An American Saga," Callender is now stepping into the roles of playwright and director for his latest project, "Spades: the Play." This 76-performance national tour will kick off in Harlem on September 3rd, before traveling to Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Miami. However, this isn't the first time "Spades: the Play" has graced the stage - it had a successful four-week run in Harlem back in November 2025.

Drawing from his own life experiences, Callender has been developing and writing "Spades: the Play" for the past decade. Set in Harlem in 2013, the play follows four twenty-something friends who come together for their weekly spades game. What starts as a friendly competition soon turns into a space for candid conversations about relationships, friendships, and the complexities of growing up.

"In the Black community, the spades table has always been a place of refuge - a place where we can let our guard down, have some fun, and escape the stresses of everyday life. It's a tradition that has been passed down for generations and serves as a cultural unifier," says Callender in a press release. "With this play, I wanted to combine this beloved tradition with a coming-of-age story that offers lessons on both life and the game itself." The cast of "Spades: the Play" features talented actors Broderick Clavery as Gill, Akilah A.

Walker as Cori, Derrick Alexander as Andre, and Erin Nicole Washington as Nefertiti. Callender praises the chemistry between the cast members, as well as the raw and relatable conversations that take place between friends. "The play is a perfect blend of humor, honesty, and Black culture," Callender explains.

This tour will take place at culturally significant venues, including Culture House DC - a former Black church dating back to the 1800s - and Cam Kirk Studios in Atlanta. In Los Angeles, the performances will be held at Wendy Raquel Robinson's Amazing Grace Conservatory, and in New Orleans, the production will take place at Fire House Loft. The tour will conclude in Miami during Art Basel, making it a fitting finale for this powerful and culturally relevant production.

With "Spades: the Play," Marcus Callender is not only showcasing his talents as a writer and director, but he is also providing a platform for Black voices and stories to be heard and celebrated. This play is just one example of how Black creatives are making their mark and shaping the future of entertainment.