Categories: Articles, Blacks on Broadway, Linda Armstrong,
Delightful food for the soul is bountiful whenever you see Blacks in a Broadway show. Whether they are starring, featured, or ensemble, their talent, commitment and excellence come shining through and you just find yourself smiling, at least, I do. There are 28 shows that do or will showcase Black excellence! I must proclaim that “Ragtime” is extraordinary and will leave you with chills. “The Lion King” and “MJ” are incredible shows that employ a great deal of Black talent. Seeing Blacks on Broadway is truly a blessing. Our talent is unbelievable!
“& 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); Zalah Vallien (Judith); Darien Daah Van Rensalier (Augustine); Kandi Burruss (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 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); 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).
“BUG” playing at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre is a stunning thriller about a lonely waitress–Agnes and a mysterious drifter—Peter, that come together in a hotel room in Oklahoma and go on a very twisted, dangerous journey. It stars Namir Smallwood (Peter).
“CATS: The Jellicle Ball” will begin performances March 18 and open April 7 at the Broadhurst Theatre. It is Andrew Lloyd Webster’s “CATS” reimagined and the Jellicle Cats are having a Ball. It will be 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 M. Kilgore (Mary Sunshine).
“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).
“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 Morgan Dudley (Eurydice) and features Allison Russell (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 Edred Utomi (Alexander Hamilton), and features Jisel Ayon (Angelica Schuyler); Morgan Anita Wood (Eliza Hamilton); Simon Longnight (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson); 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).
“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 Brandon Victor Dixon (Davis); Lamont Walker II (Knuck); Jackie Leon (Jessica); Vanessa Ferguson (Tiny); Chad Carstarphen (Ray); and Jakeim Hart (Q). The musical closes Feb. 22, 2026.
“Just In Time” playing at Circle In The Square Theatre is about the life of singer Bobby Darin. It features Lance Roberts (Ahmet Kirshner).
“Liberation” playing at James Earl Jones Theatre tells a story about the Women’s Movement in this country in the 1970s, focusing on a small women’s group, it is very relevant with what women are going through today. The story is poignant and based on real people. It features Kristolyn Lloyd (Celeste) and Kayla Davion (Joanne).
“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).
“The Lost Boys” will be 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; 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 Zachary Downer (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 Bob The Drag Queen Caldwell Tidicue (Harold Zidler); Andre Ward (Toulouse-Lautrec); Rayven Bailey (Arabia) and Donnie Hammond (La Chocolat).
“Oedipus” playing at Studio 54 is a very dramatic story of a forbidden love that destroyed the people involved. It features Teagle F. Bougere (Driver). It ends performances Feb. 8.
“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).
“PROOF” will play at the Booth Theatre, with previews on March 31 and open on April 16. It tells the story of Catherine, daughter of a renowned mathematics professor named Robert 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 Samira Wiley (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 Kaleb Johnson and Kane Emmauel (Coalhouse Walker III).
“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).
“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).
“Wicked” playing at the Gershwin Theatre tells the story of the wicked witch and Glinda in a way youhave 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).
There is nothing more phenomenal than seeing Blacks on that stage, doing what we do so well. Our talent is so impressive, it just makes you pause and feel proud. Go and support our people demonstrating our grandeur on a Broadway stage.
