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There are 32 shows, the majority currently on Broadway and one other coming, that will feature the greatness which is the Black performer. Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald is killing it every show as she superbly delivers the role of Rose in “Gypsy.” Denzel Washington is stunning audiences as Othello. “Purpose” is a splendid play where Black is triumphant as it features a Black playwright, director and all-Black cast that will leave you speechless. As always Disney’s “The Lion King” and “MJ” are a great source of employment for us, as well as “Gypsy”. I am so thrilled every time I go to the theater and see our people letting their gorgeous creative lights shine.
“& Juliet” playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre asks 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 (Juliet) and features Mackenzie Meadows (Lady Capulet/Nell); Khailah Johnson (Judith); Darien Daah Van Rensalier (Augustine); Jeannette Bayardelle (Angelique); and Michael Ivan Carrier (Thomas). As of June 10, Gianna Harris will take on the role of Juliet and on August 7, Cheryl Porter will be Angelique.
“Aladdin” playing at the New Amsterdam Theatre is Disney’s movie story come to life and shares the story of Aladdin, a poor boy, falling in love with Princess Jasmine. The musical features Michael James Scott (the Genie); JC Montgomery (Sultan); and Dennis Stowe (Jafar).
“BOOP! The Musical” playing at the Broadhurst Theatre tells of a story about Betty’s dream of an ordinary day off from the super-celebrity in her Black-and-white world, which leads her to an extraordinary adventure of color, music and finding love. Jasmine Amy Rogers stars as Betty Boop. The musical features Anastacia McCleskey (Carol Evans).
“The Book of Mormon” playing at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, is a musical that deals with the Mormon faith. Derrick Williams (the General); Jacques C. Smith (Mafala Hatimbi), and Keziah John-Paul (Nabulungi).
“Buena Vista Social Club,” playing at the Schoefeld Theatre is inspired by true events and shows you the heart of Cuba, telling the story of the legends who lived and created the musical sounds of Havana. The cast features Wesley Wray (Young Ibrahim); Isa Antonetti (Young Omara); Leonardo Reyna (Young Ruben); Da’Von T. Moody (Compay); Ashley De La Rosa (Young Haydee); Julio Monge (Young Compay); Mel Seme (Ibrahim); and Jainardo Batiste Sterling (Ruben).
“Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” playing at the August Wilson Theatre tells the story of the Emcee and the toast of Mayfair “Sally Bowles” who work at the Cabaret. It features Calvin Leon Smith (Cliff Bradshaw); Jada Simone Clark (Helga); Julian Ramos (Bobby) and Kayla Jenerson (Rosie).
“Chicago,” playing at the Ambassador Theatre, tells the delightful, sexy stories of the women of murderess row. It features Rema Webb as Matron “Mama” Morton and Jermaine R. Rembert as Martin Harrison.
“Death Becomes Her” playing at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre is a musical comedy based on the 1992 film of the same name, about two women who want to stay young and workout an unholy alliance to stay beautiful, so of course it backfires. It stars Michelle Williams (Viola Van Horn) and features Taureen Everett (Chagall).
“Floyd Collins” playing at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, 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 effort occurred. The production features Clyde Voce (Ed Bishop) and Kevyn Morrow (Dr. Hazlett/Ensemble) and Dwayne Cooper (Reporter/Ensemble).
“GlenGarry Glen Ross” playing at the Palace Theatre is a hilarious comedy about some real estate salesmen that are totally heartless and compete for how many people they can victimize. It features Donald Webber Jr. (John Williamson) and Howard W. Overshown (Baylen).
“The Great Gatsby” playing at The Broadway Theatre is an amazing musical telling of the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. As of June 16, it will star Aisha Jackson (Daisy Buchanan).
“Gypsy” playing at the Majestic Theatre tells the story of Gypsy Rose Lee and stars Audra McDonald (Rose). It features Joy Woods (Louise) and Jordan Tyson (June).
“Hadestown” playing at the Walter Kerr Theatre, tells the mythical story of Orpheus trying to overcome Hades and get back to his love. The cast is led by Daniel Breaker (Hermes); Phillip Boykin (Hades) and features Merle Dandridge (Persephone); and Marla Louissaint (Fate).
“Hamilton” playing at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, is a beloved musical that focuses on the life of Alexander Hamilton. The cast stars Trey Curtis (Alexander Hamilton), and features Stephanie Umoh (Angelica Schuyler); Morgan Anita Wood (Eliza Hamilton); Bryson Bruce (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson); and 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” playing at the Lyric Theatre tells an engaging story of Harry Potter and other students at Hogwarts. It’s a magical time at the theatre! It features Ayanna Nicole Thomas (Rose Granger-Weasley) and Rachel Christopher (Hermoine Granger).
“Hell’s Kitchen” playing at the Shubert Theatre features Alicia Keys songs and is a loosely based autobiographical story on her life growing up in Hell’s Kitchen. The musical stars Amanda Reid (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” playing at Circle In The Square Theatre is about the life of singer Bobby Darin. It features Lance Roberts (Ahmet Kirshner).
“The Last Five Years” playing at the Hudson Theater, follows the story of two New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over a five-year period. It stars Adrienne Warren (Cathy Hiatt).
“The Lion King” playing at the Minskoff Theatre, is the beloved Disney musical that brings the movie version of the same name to glorious life with lifestyle puppets, a captivating storyline, powerful, meaningful songs, and it will help one to appreciate the circle of life. It stars L. Steven Taylor (Mufasa); Sidney Nicole Wilson (Sarabi); Vincent Jamal Hooper (Simba); Pearl Khwezi (Nala); Albert Rhodes Jr. (Young Simba); Juliana Martinez (Young Nala at certain performances) and Bonita Hamilton (Shenzi).
“MJ The Musical” playing at the Neil Simon Theatre, tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life and features 25 of his biggest hits. Elijah Rhea Johnson plays the lead role of MJ. Tavon Olds-Sample (Michael); Apollo Levine (Rob/Joseph Jackson); Sasha Allen (Katherine Jackson); Christopher Sean Cooper Jr. and Emjay Roa 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 Brion Marquis Watson (Marlon Jackson).
“Mamma Mia!” will begin performances on August 2 at the Winter Garden Theatre and will feature the marvelous music of ABBA. It will feature Jalynn Steele (Tanya).
“Moulin Rouge” is playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. As Bohemians and Aristocrats mingle, this musical is a celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and love. It features Jordan Fisher (Christian); Austin Durant (Harold Zidler); Andre Ward (Toulouse-Lautrec); Solea Pfeiffer (Satine); Rayven Bailey (Arabia) and Donnie Hammond (La Chocolat).
“Othello” playing at the Barrymore Theatre tells the William Shakespeare story of love and jealousy. The production stars Denzel Washington (Othello) and features Ezra Knight (Montano) and Kimber Elayne Sprawl (Emilia).
“The Outsiders” playing at 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 Alex Joseph Grayson (Dallas Winston); and features Sky Lakota-Lynch (Johnny Cade); Tilly Evan-Krueger (Ace); and Renni Anthony Magee (Steve).
“Pirates! The Penzance Musical” playing at the Todd Haimes Theatre is an incredibly funny musical about some of the most hilarious pirates you would ever want to meet. It features Samantha Williams (Mable).
“Purpose” playing at the Helen Hayes Theater, tells the story of the Jasper family, a pillar of Black American politics: civil rights leaders, pastors, and congressman. But the family also has cracks and secrets. This production features LaTanya Richardson Jackson (Claudine Jasper); Harry Lennix (Solomon “Sonny” Jasper); Glenn Davis (Solomon “Junior” Jasper); Alana Arenas (Morgan Jasper); Jon Michael Hill (Nazareth “Naz” Jasper, and Kara Young (Aziza Houston).
“Real Women Have Curves” playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre tells a marvelous musical story of the struggles that a group of Latina women have as they work in a sewing company and try to survive in the United States though they are here illegally. It features Mason Reeves (Henry).
“Six” is playing at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. A British pop musical, it goes into the lives of the six ex-wives of King Henry VIII. The cast features Najah Hetsberger (Catherine of Aragon) and Taylor Marie Daniel (Catherine Parr).
“SMASH” playing at the Imperial Theatre, is a rollercoaster ride on the making of a Marilyn Monroe musical called “Bombshell.” It features Jacqueline B. Arnold (Anita).
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” playing at the Marquis Theatre is based on the Netflix tv show, the story captivates on Broadway. The production features Gabrielle Nevaeh (Patty Newby) and Ayana Cymone (Sue Anderson).
“Sunset Blvd.” playing at the St. James Theatre tells the story of Norma Desmond, a star of yesteryear trying to get back into pictures. The cast features Grace Hodgett Young (Betty Schaefer).
“Wicked” playing at the Gershwin Theatre tells the story of the wicked witch and Glinda in a way you have never heard before and will not soon forget. It stars Lencia Kebede (Elphaba), the first time a Black actress has done this role and Natasha Yvette Williams (Madame Morrible).
Broadway has so many delightful moments of Black excellence and our brightest lights shining, go and have your heart and soul warmed and enriched by our people performing their hearts out! I hope to see you at the theater, it truly means a lot to the Black thespians on that stage!
