Danielle Brooks Tests Positive for COVID, Will Sit Out of Broadway's 'The Piano Lesson' for a Week

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Bruce Glikas/Getty

Danielle Brooksis stepping away from the piano for a week.

The actress, 33, announced on Saturday that she’ll be taking a break from her role as Berniece in Broadway’sThe Piano Lessonafter testing positive for COVID-19, or as she called it, having a run-in with the “COVID monster.”

“My body has spoken and has forced me to Go Lay Down,” Brooks wrote Saturday on Instagram after missing Friday’s performance. “Yes the Covid Monster got me. Even though masks are not required in theaters I would encourage you to still take precautions and wear your mask. Can’t wait to return stronger and better than ever.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

“I am so happy for [Babb] making her debut as Berniece until Oct. 23rd,” Brooks wrote.

In her own Instagram clip reacting to the news of her taking on the role of Berniece, Babb wrote “OMG!! I’M ON TONIGHT.“Babb revealed in the clip, which was filmed as she walked around New York City, that she had just gotten the call.

“Alright people, I’m on tonight,” she told her followers. “So I don’t know if you can get a ticket, but your girl’s going to do it.”

Guests at Friday night’s performance were given a slip alerting them to the casting change, along with their Playbills. Babb’s Instagram Story the following day was filled with friends who seemed equally excited for her special moment.

RELATED VIDEO: Dave Navarro Will Miss Jane’s Addiction Upcoming Tour with Smashing Pumpkins Due to Long COVID

Back in August, Brooks and her costars could be seen inexclusive first-look photosfromThe Piano Lesson’s first day of rehearsals, held at the New 42nd Street Studios in Times Square. One shot in particular showed Brooks snapping a selfie with both Washington and Samuel.

“I thank god for this day,” LaTanya, 72, said, addressing the group in a video from August. “Finally. All of you who have been on this journey, waiting, waiting, putting your businesses to the side, I can’t thank you enough. I am ready, you are ready, and we’re going to throw down.”

As information about thecoronavirus pandemicrapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from theCDC,WHOandlocal public health departments.

source: people.com