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There are 27 shows, some currently on Broadway and others waiting in the wings, that will feature the splendor of Black performers. There is such a plethora of choices–you can watch six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald play Rose in “Gypsy” or witness Denzel Washington in “Othello.”The amazing Adrienne Warren will also return to Broadway in ”The Last Five Years.” Disney employs “31” Black actors in “The Lion King” and “MJ” is coming in close with “30.” Seeing us on the stage gives one such a feeling of pride and joy.
“& Juliet,”: The Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
This production centers around the question: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo?She gets a second chance at life and love–her way. It stars Maya Boyd as Juliet and features Mackenzie Meadows (Lady Capulet/Nell), Khailah Johnson (Judith), Darien Daah Van Rensalier (Augustine), Jeannette Bayardelle (Angelique), and Michael Ivan Carrier (Thomas).
“A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical”: Studio 54
The life and struggles of Louis Armstrong, the acclaimed musician/performer, is an incredible story. James Monroe Iglehart and James T. Lane alternate in the role of Louis Armstrong. Featured performers include Darlesia Cearcy (Lucille), Kim Exum (Alpha), Dionne Figgins (Daisy), Jennie Harney-Fleming (Lil Hardin), Dewitt Fleming Jr. (Lincoln), and Gavin Gregory (King Joe Oliver).
“Aladdin”: The New Amsterdam Theatre
Disney’s movie story comes to life on Broadway and shares the story of Aladdin, a poor boy who falls in love with Princess Jasmine. The musical features Michael James Scott (The Genie), JC Montgomery (The Sultan), and Dennis Stowe (Jafar).
“BOOP! The Musical”: Broadhurst Theatre
Previews start March 11. The production is about Betty, who longs for an ordinary day off from her Black-and-white world. Amy Rogers will star as Betty Boop. The musical will feature Anastacia McCleskey as Carol Evans.
“The Book of Mormon”: The Eugene O’Neill Theatre
As one would expect, this musical deals with the Mormon faith. Some of the cast members include Derrick Williams (The General), Jacques C. Smith (Mafala Hatimbi), and Keziah John-Paul (Nabulungi).
“Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club”: August Wilson Theatre
Previews begin April 1. It tells the story of the Emcee and the toast of Mayfair “Sally Bowles” who works at the Cabaret. It features Calvin Leon Smith (Cliff Bradshaw), Ayla Ciccone-Burton (Helga), Julian Ramos (Bobby) and Kayla Jenerson (Rosie).
“Chicago”: The Ambassador Theatre
A series of delightful, sexy stories of the women of murderess row stars Kimberly Marable as Velma Kelly. Other characters include Nakiya Peterkin (Matron “Mama” Morton), Jermaine R. Rembert (Martin Harrison), and Tia Altinay (Mona).
“Death Becomes Her”: The Lunt Fontanne Theatre
This musical comedy based on the 1992 film of the same name, about two women who want to stay young and work out an unholy alliance to remain beautiful. Of course, it backfires. It stars Michelle Williams as Viola Van Horn and features Taureen Everett as Chagall.
“Eureka Day:” The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
The comedy centers around the board of directors at a private school and their struggle with the question of requiring students to be vaccinated. It stars Amber Gray as Carina.
“Floyd Collins”: The Vivian Beaumont Theater
The musical will begin previews on March 27 and tells the true story of Floyd Collins, a cave explorer in Kentucky in 1925, who got trapped in a cave 200 feet underground and the media circus that happened as rescue efforts occurred.
“Gypsy”: The Majestic Theatre
The remarkable story of Gypsy Rose Lee stars Audra McDonald as Rose. It features Joy Woods as Louise and Jordan Tyson as June.
“Hadestown”: Walter Kerr Theatre
The mythical recount of Orpheus trying to overcome Hades and return to his love is impressive. Tony Award winner Lillias White leads the cast in the role of Hermes and features Hailey Kilgore (Eurydice), Allison Russell (Persephone), and Brit West (one of the Fates).
“Hamilton”; The Richard Rodgers Theatre
A beloved musical that focuses on the life of Alexander Hamilton. The cast stars Trey Curtis as Alexander Hamilton. It features Stephanie Umoh (Angelica Schuyler), Morgan Anita Wood (Eliza Hamilton), Bryson Bruce (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson), Tamar Greene (George Washington), Ebrin R. Stanley (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison), Cherry Torres (Peggy Schuyler) and Jared Dixon (Aaron Burr).
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”: The Lyric Theatre
It tells an engaging story of Harry Potter and other students at Hogwarts. It’s a magical time at the theatre!Harry Potter features Ayanna Nicole Thomas as Rose Granger-Weasley and Rachel Christopher as Hermoine Granger.
“Hell’s Kitchen”: The Shubert Theatre
This mesmerizing musical features Alicia Keys’ songs and is a loosely based autobiographical story on her life growing up in Hell’s Kitchen. The musical stars Maleah Joi Moon as Ali and features Phillip Johnson Richardson (Knuck), Jackie Leon (Jessica), Vanessa Ferguson (Tiny), Rema Webb (Crystal), Chad Carstarphen (Ray), Lamont Walker II (Riq), and Jakeim Hart (Q).
“Just In Time”: Circle In The Square Theatre
The musical will begin previews on March 28 and is the story of the pop idol Bobby Darin. It will feature Lance Roberts as Ahmet Kirshner.
“The Last Five Years”: The Hudson Theater
The musical will begin previews on March 18 and follows the story of two New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over a five-year period. It will star Adrienne Warren as Cathy Hiatt.
“The Lion King”: The Minskoff Theatre
The beloved Disney musical is glorious and breathtaking with lifelike puppets, a captivating storyline, and powerful, meaningful songs. It stars L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa. Other characters include Sidney Nicole Wilson (Sarabi), Vincent Jamal Hooper (Simba), Pearl Khwezi (Nala), Austin Elle Fisher (Young Nala), Albert Rhodes Jr. (Young Simba), and Bonita Hamilton (Shenzi).
“MJ The Musical”: The Neil Simon Theatre
Michael Jackson’s life story brings back good memories and features 25 of his biggest hits. Elijah Rhea Johnson plays the lead role of MJ. The rest of the legendary family and music industry personalities include Tavon Olds-Sample (Michael), Apollo Levine (Rob/Joseph Jackson), Ayana Jackson (Katherine Jackson), Austin Rankin and Eric Williams (alternate as Little Michael), Julius Raymond Weems IV (Little Marlon), Matthew Frederick Harris (Tito Jackson/Quincy Jones), Antoine L. Smith ( Berry Gordy/Nick), Lloyd A. Boyd III (Randy Jackson), John Edwards (Jackie Jackson), Nick T. Daly (Jermaine Jackson) and Zachery Downer (Marlon Jackson).
“Moulin Rouge”: The Al Hirschfeld Theatre
As Bohemians and Aristocrats mingle, this musical celebrates truth, beauty, freedom, and love. It features Austin Durant (Harold Zidler), Andre Ward (Toulouse-Lautrec), Solea Pfeiffer (Satine), Rayven Bailey (Arabia) and Donnie Hammond (La Chocolat).
“Othello”: The Barrymore Theatre
It will begin previews on February 24. It tells William Shakespeare’s story of love and jealousy. The production will star Denzel Washington as Othello and feature Ezra Knight (Montano) and Kimber Elayne Sprawl (Emilia).
“The Outsiders”: The Jacobs Theatre
is a musical that tells a story of the haves and the have-nots as the poor and rich kids battle. It stars Joshua Boone as Dallas Winston and features Sky Lakota-Lynch (Johnny Cade), Tilly Evan-Krueger (Ace), and Renni Anthony Magee (Steve).
“Six”: The Brooks Atkinson Theatre
The British pop musical delves into the lives of the six ex-wives of King Henry VIII. Some of the actresses who play the famous royal wives include Adrianna Hicks (Catherine of Aragon), Olivia Donalson (Anna of Cleves), and Storm Lever (Anne Boleyn).
“SMASH”: Imperial Theatre:
Previews begin on March 11. The musical is a rollercoaster ride on the making of a Marilyn Monroe musical called “Bombshell,” and will feature Jacqueline B. Arnold as Anita.
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow”: The Marquis Theatre
Previews begins March 28. The story will now come to Broadway based on the Netflix TV show. The production will feature Gabrielle Nevaeh as Patty Newby and Ayana Cymone as Sue Anderson.
“Sunset Blvd”: St. James Theatre
The story of Norma Desmond, a star of yesteryear trying to get back into pictures, features Grace Hodgett Young as Betty Schaefer.
“Wicked”: The Gershwin Theatre
is a musical that will have you look at the story of “The Wizard of Oz” in a completely different way. It gives you the background of the Wicked Witch and Glinda, the Good.
There are so many incredible actors out there to make us proud. I hope you will join me in a theater seat and let them see how much they are supported. Black talent is reigning supreme! Experience what we are capable of and enjoy!
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