Categories: Articles, Blacks on Broadway, Linda Armstrong,
This season Blacks abound on Broadway and it is beautiful. Blacks are performing in a record 32 productions! There are so many incredible shows that feature Black casts including “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” directed by Debbie Allen, “Proof”, and “CATS: The Jellicle Ball”. Kenny Leon is directing “The Balusters” with Anika Noni Rose. It is simply a wonderful time to go to the theater and see our people shine so brightly!
“& 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 James Monroe Iglehart (Lance); Mackenzie Meadows (Lady Capulet/Nell); Zalah Vallien (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 Balusters” playing at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre tells a tale of a neighborhood block committee in a landmark suburb. It has racism, feelings of privilege and humor. It stars Anika Noni Rose (Kyra Marshall) and features Carl Clemons-Hopkins (Brooks Duncan).
“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 Sydney Quildon (Nabulungi).
“Buena Vista Social Club,” playing at the Schoenfeld 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 Natalie Venetia Belcon (Omara);Chris Myers (Juan De Marcos); Jaleel Battles Jr. (Young Ibrahim); Isa Antonetti (Young Omara); Leonardo Reyna (Young Ruben); Da’Von T. Moody (Compay); Ashley De La Rosa (Young Haydee); Mel Seme (Ibrahim); and Jainardo Batiste Sterling (Ruben).
“CATS: The Jellicle Ball” playing at the Broadhurst Theatre is Andrew Lloyd Webster’s “CATS” reimagined and the Jellicle Cats are having a Ball. It is Broadway meets runway, a purrrfect time. This production has an amazing cast which features Andre De Shields (Old Deuteronomy); Bebe Nicole Simpson (Demeter); Dava Huesca (Rumpleteazer); Dudney Joseph Jr. (Munkustrap); Garnet Williams (Bombalurina); Jonathan Burke (Mungojerrie); Junior La Beija (Gus); Nora Schell (Bustopher Jones); Primo Thee Ballerino (Tumblebrutus); Robert “Silk” Mason (Magical Mister Mistoffelees); Sydney James Harcourt (Rum Tum Tugger); Teddy Wilson Jr. (Sillabub) and “Tempress” Chasity Moore (Grizabella).
“Chess” playing at the Imperial Theatre is a romantic musical set in the international chess battles between the U.S. and Soviet Union. It stars Nicholas Christopher as Anatoly Sergievsky.
“Chicago,” playing at the Ambassador Theatre, tells the delightful, sexy stories of the women of murderess row. It features Jacqueline B. Arnold (Matron “Mama” Morton); Sean Samuels (Martin Harrison); and James T. Lane (Harry/The Jury).
“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).
“Death of a Salesman” playing at the Winter Garden Theatre tells the compelling story of salesman Willy Loman. It features K. Todd Freeman (Charley); Michael Benjamin Washington (Bernard); and Karl Green (Young Bernard).
“Dog Day Afternoon” playing at the August Wilson Theatre is a comedy/drama depicting a real bank robbery attempt that occurred in 1972 in New York City. It features Danny Johnson (Mr. Eddy).
“The Fear of 13” playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre tells the story of Nick Yarris, a man on death row for a murder he did not commit. It stars Tessa Thompson (Jacki) and features Ephraim Sykes (Man 4) and Eddie Cooper (Man 6).
“The Great Gatsby” playing at The Broadway Theatre is an amazing musical telling of the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It features Corbin Bleu (Nick Carraway).
“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 stars J. Harrison Ghee (Hermes); Jordan Tyson (Eurydice) and features Jewelle Blackman (Fate).
“Hamilton” playing at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, is a beloved musical that focuses on the life of Alexander Hamilton. The cast stars Edred Utomi (Alexander Hamilton), and features Marja Harmon (Angelica Schuyler); Morgan Anita Wood (Eliza Hamilton); Simon Longnight (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson); and Isaiah Johnson (George Washington); and Cherry Torres (Peggy Schuyler).
“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 Rachel Christopher (Hermoine Granger).
“Joe Turner’s Come And Gone” at the Barrymore Theatre delivers the August Wilson classic drama powerfully. The production has an all-star cast: Cedric “The Entertainer” (Seth Holly); Taraji P. Henson (Bertha Holly); Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Bynum Walker) and Joshua Boone (Herald Loomis).
“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); Pearl Khwezi (Nala); and Bonita Hamilton (Shenzi).
“The Lost Boys,”playing at the Palace Theatre with previews beginning March 27. The new musical tells the story of Lucy and her two teenage sons moving to a sunny coastal community looking for a new start, but finding out that this community has a terrifying secret. The cast features Dean Maupin (Paul) and Maria Wirries (Star).
“MJ The Musical” playing at the Neil Simon Theatre, tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life and features 25 of his biggest hits. The cast stars Matte Martinez (MJ) and features Tavon Olds-Sample (Michael); Apollo Levine (Rob/Joseph Jackson); Sasha Allen (Katherine Jackson); Christopher Sean Cooper Jr. and Emjay Roa alternate as Little Michael; Blake Channing Taylor (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 Taylor (Marlon Jackson).
“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 Andre Ward (Toulouse-Lautrec); 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 features Runako Campbell (Ace); and Alejandro MullerDahlberg (Steve).
“PROOF” playing at the Booth Theatre tells the story of Catherine, daughter of a renowned mathematics professor named Robert, who is thrust into turmoil when a notebook containing a revelatory proof is discovered after his death. Catherine confronts the power of legacy. The cast is lead by Ayo Edebiri (Catherine), Don Cheadle (Robert) and features Kara Young (Claire).
“Ragtime” playing at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater tells the incredibly musical story of three families going after the American Dream, it shows racism against Blacks and prejudice against immigrants in this country and features a brilliant Black cast including Joshua Henry (Coalhouse Walker Jr.); Nichelle Lewis (Sarah); John Clay III (Booker T. Washington); and Caleb Stallings (Coalhouse Walker III).
“The Rocky Horror Show” playing at Studio 54 is a cult classic musical that is sexy and fun. It encourages audience participation. It features Amber Gray (Riff Raff); Michaela Jae Rodriguez (Columbia) and Boy Radio (Phantom).
“Schmigadoon!” playing at the Nederlander Theatre is a hilarious musical comedy about a couple living in a musical and trying to find love. It features Ayaan Diop (Carson) and Isabelle McCalla (Emma Tate).
“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 Khalia Wilcoxon (Catherine of Aragon); Anna Uzele (Catherine Parr) and Olivia Donalson (Anna of Cleaves).
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” playing at the Marquis Theatre is based on the Netflix tv show, the story captivates on Broadway. The production stars Ayana Cymone (Patty Newby) and features Zoe Sage (Sue Anderson) and Jennie Harney-Fleming (Patty’s Mom).
“Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) playing at the Longacre Theatre tells the story of Dougal, a Brit who comes to New York for his father’s wedding and meets Robin, the sister of the bride. They reveal deep truths about themselves as they ran errands for the bride. The play stars Christiani Pitts (Robin).
“Titanique” playing at the St. James Theatre is a delightful musical comedy about the Titanic and Celine Dion’s remembrance as a passenger on the doomed voyage. The production stars Deborah Cox (Unsinkable Molly Brown) and features Layton Williams (The Seaman, Iceberg).
“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 utilizes Black actors in ensemble, swing and understudy roles.
There is so much to be excited about this season, it’s marvelous! What touches my heart the most is seeing so many of us in the audience at Broadway shows. I’m talking about generations of Black families coming to the theater to be inspired by the riveting performances our people deliver. Make sure you go and support, you have plenty of choices.
