Categories: Articles, Linda Armstrong,
It is an exciting time on Broadway as 24 shows will have Black actors this season. Twenty-three are currently playing and a new musical called “Chess” is coming in the fall. You need to rush to the theater to make sure you catch “Gypsy” as it will play its final performance on August 17th. It breaks my heart to know that such an incredible show with an outstanding, once-in-a-lifetime cast, led by six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald is going to leave Broadway. The chills that this production gives are something you would always want to have the opportunity to experience. The clock is also ticking on Tony Award winner for best play, Branden Jacob-Jenkins brilliant drama “Purpose”, closing at the end of August. There are different types of opportunities to see us shine as you have Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace now starring in “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” and I’m grateful for productions like Disney’s “The Lion King” and “MJ” which always put our people to work in beautiful and stunning style. Incredible theatrical fare is out there for you to appreciate.
“& 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 Gianna Harris (Juliet) and features Mackenzie Meadows (Lady Capulet/Nell); Khailah Johnson (Judith); Darien Daah Van Rensalier (Augustine); Jeannette Bayardelle (Angelique); and Michael Ivan Carrier (Thomas).
“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).
“The Book of Mormon” playing at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, is a musical that deals with the Mormon faith. It features 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 stars Billy Porter (Emcee) and Marisha Wallace (Sally Bowles) and features Calvin Leon Smith (Cliff Bradshaw); Jada Simone Clark (Helga); Julian Ramos (Bobby) and Paige Smallwood (Rosie).
“Chess” will play at the Imperial Theatre with previews set for Oct. 15, 2025 and opening Nov. 16, 2025. It is a musical where power and passion collide in a World Chess Championship between America and Russia. Espionage and romance are also part of the game. It will star Nicholas Christopher (Anatoly Sergievsky).
“Chicago,” playing at the Ambassador Theatre, tells the delightful, sexy stories of the women of murderess row. It features Rema Webb Matron “Mama” Morton and Sean Samuels 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 Taurean Everett (Chagall).
“The Great Gatsby” playing at The Broadway Theatre is an amazing musical telling of the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It stars 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 Lana Gordon (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 Christopher Jackson (Davis); 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 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 at certain performances); Julius-Raymond Weems IV (Young Simba at certain performances), Juliana Martinez (Young Nala at certain performances), McKenzie Sherie Lewis (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 Wayne Brady (Harold Zidler); Andre Ward (Toulouse-Lautrec); Taye Diggs (The Duke of Monroth), Rayven Bailey (Arabia) and Donnie Hammond (La Chocolat).
“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).
“Purpose” playing at the Helen Hayes Theater only through August 31, 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 Brenda Pressley (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).
“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).
“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).
“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) making her Broadway debut and becoming the first Black actress to do this role on Broadway full-time. She is joined on stage by Broadway veteran Natasha Yvette Williams (Madame Morrible).
Seeing Blacks on a Broadway stage, giving their all and helping our people to shine brighter is such an uplifting experience! Please make it your business to go out and support these shows. These actors are creating beautiful moments that you will cherish forever.
