HomeA Must SeeWe Were There: Brandy's Broadway Debut As Roxie Hart In Chicago

We Were There: Brandy’s Broadway Debut As Roxie Hart In Chicago

-

Chicago The Musical is no stranger to star power in the Ambassador theatre on or off the stage. However, they’ve recently lucked up on Grammy Award winning artist Brandy Norwood. She has stepped in to play the role of the murderess sex kitten Roxie Hart from now until June 21.

Now, us theatre lovers can be a little harsh to the outside world coming into our beloved Broadway. We judge them way before they ever step near a stage and Brandy was no different. However, the difference between Brandy and others? You can tell she put in the work. She listened. She worked at it.

From the moment she opened her mouth she gave a Roxie Hart that was still true to her. She was overly sexualized but it was very clear she was a grown woman. She didn’t do too much vocally but she sang the musical score like silk blowing in the wind. Her tones were crisp and she accented in all the right places to make sure you knew you were still listening to Brandy. It was an ideal Broadway debut.

You could feel the love in the room as her brother, Ray J, her mother, Mrs Sonya Norwood, and other family and friends enjoyed themselves and laughed and cheered. It was also great to see KeKe Palmer, Broadway’s first Black Cinderella, in the house. It felt it was a long awaited moment that came at the most perfect time.

Brandy is dancing Fosse! Like, she’s really doing it and it feels like she belongs. You really don’t want to miss it. Our two worlds met with Brandy and Broadway and we couldn’t be more happy with the outcome. You can take your guards down Broadway Black, no need to worry, Brandy’s got this. You’ll want to see it just for her amazing rendition of Funny Honey but when she “reached for the gun”, we knew, she’ll be back. She’s got the theatre bug now.

You don’t want to miss this debut. It is truly a gem and joyous theatre experience. Get your tickets!

NOW……

 

SSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH………

Andrew Shade
Andrew Shade
Drew Shade is a visionary creative force at the intersection of Black theatre, media, and culture. As the Founder and Creative Director of Broadway Black, Off-Book: The Podcast, and The Antonyo Awards, he champions artistic excellence and amplifies the voices of Black theatre artists with intention, heart, and unapologetic pride. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Playbill, Deadline, The Observer, and Apple TV’s Dear…, and he's collaborated with brands and institutions such as NBC, BET, Audible, Universal Pictures, SheaMoisture, The Public Theater, Signature Theatre, National Black Theatre, and more. He has also served as a cultural consultant and curator for countless Broadway productions for over a decade — establishing himself as a trusted voice and tastemaker in theatre and media. In addition to his work behind the scenes, Shade is a performer and creative artist in his own right, with credits including Classical Theatre of Harlem’s The First Noel at The Apollo, The Preacher’s Wife musical at The Alliance Theatre, and a Sondheim tribute concert at Carnegie Hall led by Tituss Burgess. He’s also lent his voice to campaigns for Google and continues to explore visual storytelling through photography — from red carpets to press coverage. Rooted in joy, justice, and the belief that Black theatre is both legacy and revolution, Shade continues to build platforms and shine light where it’s long been overdue — so Black artists are seen, heard, and celebrated on their own terms. “Have a belief in yourself that is bigger than anyone’s disbelief.” – August Wilson

2 COMMENTS

Comments are closed.

- Advertisment -

Must Read