New Black Actors Are Taking Over Broadway! By Linda Armstrong

Categories: Articles,

Blacks on Broadway is a particular issue that occurs at certain times of the year in Harlem News. In that issue, I share all the Broadway shows that have Black actors in them. It is a chance to let them shine and be honored for what they do on Broadway. Seeing us in a musical is always uplifting, but what audiences need to realize is that as much as we are inspired seeing Black performers on the stage, they, too, are inspired when they see us in the audience.
To make sure that more Blacks on Broadway are acknowledged, going forward, there will be additional issues featuring Blacks on Broadway once a month. These stories will share the names and roles of the new Black performers who are in Broadway shows. It gives everyone a better chance to be seen and appreciated.
In the first of many articles to come, we will acknowledge that Disney’s “The Lion King” has been on Broadway for 26 years and counting. “The Lion King” is a production that easily touches the heart and soul and rejuvenates the spirit! In Disney’s classic musical, playing at the Minskoff Theatre at 200 W 45th Street, we learn about the story of Simba, his Lion King father, Mufasa, and the circle of life that we are all participating in, whether we realize it or not. In this rich, cultural setting, a young man is making his Broadway and Lion King debut—Vincent Jamal Hooper, who plays Simba. This Disney production has long held the distinction in the Blacks on Broadway articles of being one of the top Broadway shows with a huge number of Black actors.
“Merrily We Roll Along,” playing at the Hudson Theater at 141 W 44th Street, is a musical comedy that tells the story of three friends who knew each other since college. Two are musical theater writers, and the third is a theater critic. The audience is taken on a journey of their friendships but in reverse order. The audience gets to see how one’s life choices can truly impact the situations that you find yourself facing. It also shows how complicated relationships can be, especially for people trying to make it big in theater.
This production has countless laughs and amazing singing! Five Black actors who are part of the merriment on stage include Krystal Joy Brown (Gussie Carnegie), Maya Bond (Mimi from Paramount), Talia Simone Robinson (Meg Kincaid), Natalie Wachen (KT), and Christian Strange (Ru/Reverend).
“Spamalot,” playing at the St. James Theatre at 246 W 44th Street, started performances on October 31. This is a musical comedy based on the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” There are flying cows, killer rabbits, dancing girls, knights, and the lady of the lake. This musical comedy stars James Monroe Iglehart as King Arthur and Nik Walker as Sir Galahad.
Go out and enjoy our people as they thrive on Broadway!