One such community is the Broadway community, who despite having been shut down and theater houses being dark for such a long time, have decided to open their doors to be vaccination hubs for the citizens of New York City. Many live entertainment venues have shown their support for fighting the virus by being testing centers, and now that a vaccine has been available to the general public, more and more space is needed to provide health support for those that need it. 

The Broadway League recently wrote a letter to President Joe Biden offering theater venues and ticket management systems as a means to streamline the vaccination accessibility process. Opening up this opportunity would allow for furloughed theatre workers to reenter the workforce after a nearly 10-month stint of no work because of their experience with handling large amounts of people and advanced ticketing procedures. The letter reads, “Live events is one of the best prepared, best equipped, most experienced industries in America to manage and control large crowds in a rapid, organized fashion.” 

Many of the shows that have had to postpone an opening include the revival of Caroline, Or Change (slated for a fall opening with The Roundabout Theater Company) and the new original Michael Jackson bio-musical, MJ (also slated for fall 2021). Other shows that have been put on pause include Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Aint Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, Hamilton: An American Musical, and countless others.

Broadway League president Charlotte St. Martin said, “Broadway is often called the beating heart of New York City, but it also provides real jobs that deliver real benefits to not just the Times Square area, but to the entire city.” As the country still awaits the roll-out of more vaccines, New York City and Broadway will be ready to lead the country in managing an ever-changing health landscape. Broadway may be dark now, but the light at the end of the tunnel promises health and wellness for a safer reopening. 

The post House of Healing: Broadway Theaters May Be Used as Vaccination Hubs appeared first on Broadway Black.

The musical stars Deborah Cox (Aida) with a book by Ellen Weston and Mark Hampton, music by Stephen Dorff, lyrics by John Bettis, based on a story by Kenneth Waissman, and directed and choreographed by Joey McKneely.

The musical is described on the Asolo Rep Theatre website as;

Romance, intrigue and plenty of excitement will fill the stage next spring when Asolo Rep presents the world-premiere of Josephine, the original new musical bound for Broadway following its Sarasota run. The entrancing Josephine Baker was beautiful, ambitious, and the toast of Europe at the height of her fame in the 1920s-30s. Born into poverty in St. Louis, she rose to become an icon of the Jazz Age, captivating Paris audiences as a dancer, singer, actress and the twentieth-century’s first international black female sex symbol. Directed and choreographed by Tony nominated Joey McKneely and starring Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling recording artist Deborah Cox, this dazzling new musical revolves around Baker’s stint as the star of the Folies-Bergere in Paris from 1939-45, her scandalous affair with Swedish Crown Prince Gustav IV, and her service in the French Resistance during World War II.

The show will run from April 27 until May 29 at Asolo Rep Theatre’s Mertz Theatre (5555 N. Tamiami Tr.  Sarasota, FL  34243). Tickets are now available for purchase here.

The post New Musical Josephine Starring Deborah Cox Approaches World Premiere in Florida appeared first on Broadway Black.

Whitaker will star alongside stage veteran and Tony Award winner Frank Wood in the short two-character play set in the lobby of a small hotel on a West Side street in midtown New York during the summer of 1928. The play is what’s known as a two-hander — essentially a monologue — about the recently deceased night clerk of a grim hotel on Manhattan’s West Side who’s still mourned by “Erie Smith,” a drunk hustler keen on impressing Hughie’s replacement, “Charlie Hughes,” with reminiscences of past hijinks and adventures.

Whitaker will star as “Erie Smith and Wood will take on the role of “Charlie Hughes.” Tony winner Michael Grandage will direct the play.

Whitaker has built an impressive resume in films such as “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” “Bird,” and “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai.” In 2007, he won an Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for his performance as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 2006’s “The Last King of Scotland.” He also is a noted director who helmed the iconic girlfriend film “Waiting To Exhale” starring Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine, and Angela Bassett.

Wood won a Tony Award in 1999 for Best Featured Actor in a Play for Side Man. He also played “Bill” in the Broadway production of August: Osage County.

Hughie was last seen on Broadway in 1996 at the Circle in the Square Theatre in a production directed by and starring Al Pacino.

For more information about Hughie and to purchase tickets, visit here.

The post Forest Whitaker’s Hughie Pushes Back Start of Previews appeared first on Broadway Black.

Citing dangerous overcrowding and inclement weather, the powers that be have decided to make some improvements to the potentially treacherous lottery event before reintroducing it in the spring.

“We love seeing so many fans show up to participate in the Ham4Ham lottery and show,” Hamilton producer, Jeffrey Seller, said in a statement. “But we need to figure out how to safely accommodate our fans without blocking traffic on West 46th Street.”

Shortly after it began its run at The Public Theater, Hamilton has offered the drawing to fans who can’t afford or even access the $150+ tickets to the currently sold out run. The stage phenomenon garners, at minimum, 500 entrants per drawing: excited fans who, line, crowd and essentially dominate the slim street accessing the Richard Rodgers Theater.

An innovation made popular in 1996 by the cult-classic Rent, lottery, student rush, general rush and “standing room only” has become the poor man’s guide to Broadway.

Hamilton is just one of many Broadway productions offering an affordable digital lottery for what has become quite an expensive medium.  Kinky Boots made the switch this summer and after 18 years on top of the Broadway ticket want list, The Lion King announced in November that they would be offering an online lottery.  Introduced just in time for the holiday season, the lottery would make tickets for the musical, which generally average around $130, accessible to theatergoers at a reasonable price.

UPDATE:  As of 11 AM on Jan. 5, Hamilton has broken the internet!  Since opening the digital lottery at 9:30 AM, BroadwayDirect, the website that hosts multiple Broadway show lotteries, has read a “Service Unavailable” message.  Twitter is all abuzz, including Lin Manuel Miranda who has assured Hamilfans, while he excels at many things, IT is not one of them.  Hopefully the site will be up soon…cause we’re trying to get tickets too!

The post Hamilton Lottery Goes Digital in the New Year appeared first on Broadway Black.

This is your chance, so don’t throw away your shot! If you are an extremely skilled rapper, singer and actor, and are interested in being considered for the show, send an email to casting@hamiltonbroadway.com

According to the notice posted on the website, performers interested in auditioning should include the following in their email:

• A video via an unlisted YouTube link or Vimeo that includes: a brief (under 1 minute) pop/rock song that shows your vocal range and a brief rap (under 1 minute) that shows your skill level. Please have a piano accompany you.
• A current picture and resume that includes your height and weight
• Your location, contact information (cell phone # and email address) and your date of birth (if under 18)

To avoid the Kent State fiasco, Lin-Manuel Miranda explicitly states in the character breakdown the ethnicity of each character opening the roles up for all people of color.  The breakdowns are cleverly creative with descriptions such as “Eminem Meets Sweeney Todd” for title character Hamilton, while Angelica Schuyler (currently played by Renee Elise Goldsberry) is described as “Nicki Minaj meets Desiree Armfeldt.” Hamilton’s political nemesis Aaron Burr (currently played by Leslie Odom Jr.) is written as “Javert meets Mos Def.”

You can check the rest out here to make sure you fit the bill when it’s your chance!

The acclaimed-hit musical about the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, opened Aug. 6 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. The show has already broken records by grossing an impressive $57 million in advance sales, with tickets not available to purchase until October of next year. Don’t worry, there’s always Ham4Ham which makes waiting in the cold for the chance to win the $10 ticket all worth it.

The post Be Apart of the Revolution! Hamilton Posts Open Casting Call appeared first on Broadway Black.

You don’t get into this business to be you,” he says. “I got into show business because I wanted to dress up as an old man on a park bench. I wanted to be an action hero. I wanted to be the drug dealer. I wanted to be a knight. I wanted to be Robin Hood. I wanted to be whatever else besides Wayne. So playing Lola is as far from Wayne as I could possibly be. A British drag queen who was an amateur boxer? Bingo.

Kinky Boots was deemed “The hottest musical on Broadway” by the New York Times.  According to the website,

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price, who inherits his father’s shoe factory. Looking to save the family business, Charlie turns to a fabulously fashionable new friend — cabaret star Lola— who gives him an outrageous idea that could change both of their destinies.

That outrageous idea is to make women’s shoes for men, which propels the business to success. Brady previously tried out for the role but lost out to Billy Porter. Porter recently left the production to join the cast of Shuffle Along. When the opportunity came back around, Brady jumped at the chance. Of the character, Brady says,

Lola is a very charming, lovely, feisty person who is really just this very deeply hurt, flawed individual,” Brady says. “I think I can bring a warmth to Lola that will be funny and bring all the comedy to it, and then when it’s time to turn on a dime, then that’ll help that.

In preparation for the role, Brady told CBS news,

I’m buying a pair of … heels … because I have enough time right now that I can actually walk around my house and dance around. I don’t want to show up for rehearsals in November and just learn to put on heels.

While he has only been in the role for a few days, his enthusiasm and appreciation for the role are sure to help make sure he shines.

What weekend! @WayneBrady blew the roof off of the Al Hirschfeld! Who is coming to see him strut this week? pic.twitter.com/RhaxLNniIe

— Kinky Boots the Musical (@KinkyBootsBway) November 23, 2015

Kinky Boots is currently running at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre and tickets can be purchased HERE. Let us know what you think of Brady as Lola in Kinky Boots!

The post Wayne Brady Puts On His Kinky Boots appeared first on Broadway Black.

“I would say that [work on] Bombshell slowed down a tiny bit because Bob Greenblatt asked us to focus on The Wiz,” Zadan told Entertainment Weekly.  “The moment The Wiz is up and running, we’ll go back and focus on Bombshell. So once this airs, we’ll be jumping in on Bombshell.”

According to Meron, they are “currently putting together the creative team.”

A musical within a musical, so to speak, “Smash” premiered on NBC in the spring of 2012.  According to NBC, “Smash” was a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire – to be a “Smash.” Executive produced by Steven Spielberg, the series featured names like Jennifer Hudson, Brenda Braxton and breakout star (and our favorite villain) Leslie Odom Jr.  After struggling in its second season, the show was cancelled in 2013, citing low ratings.  However, Bombshell, the primary musical featured in “Smash,” has produced somewhat of a cult following.  The major demand for an encore resulted in a one-night-only concert version of the production this summer, featuring original cast members and fans’ favorite songs as part of a fundraiser for The Actor’s Fund.

“There is a still a lot of love for ‘Smash’ and a rabid fan base out there, and we’re thrilled to be able to keep the dream alive as we work towards bringing Bombshell to theatre audiences,” said Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment.

Bombshell features a score by Tony Award-winning songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.  Emmy Award-winning and Tony-nominated choreographer Joshua Bergasse will return to stage his stunning dances for the full production.

While “The Wiz Live!” premieres on NBC Dec. 3, no timeline for a Bombshell premiere has been given.

We’re wondering if maybe Odom and Hudson can pull double duty and do both their shows and Bombshell?  I say it’s worth a shot!  A girl can dream…

The post Wiz Live! Producers to Present Staged Version of Bombshell Next appeared first on Broadway Black.

Leakes took to the stage on the set of the popular daytime talk show The View, with Tony Award winner Whoopi Goldberg & Raven-Symone (who is black, even if she doesn’t want to labled as such, & made her Broadway debut in Sister Act! a few years ago). The interview was a little awkward with the co-hosts taking small insulting jabs at NeNe’s personal home life. However, nothing was more awkward than when Nene started singing. The claps and the praise seemed sincere but we couldn’t help but to feel a certain bit of tension listening. You can also tell Nene was a little nervous. Watch the clip below.

Now, Nene is a self proclaimed Shade Queen and she felt that shade and later tweeted this after her appearance on the show:

She has since deleted the tweet but glad that Nene handled herself with class & dignity in response to the snide remarks & vibe from the hosts. Great job on those acting skills, Nene. Bring that to Broadway.

Now, tell us, what do you think of Nene Leakes’ singing voice? 

The post Nene Leakes Showcases Her Singing Voice on The View appeared first on Broadway Black.

1. Hamilton in Cabinet Battle #1

“A civics lesson from a slaver. Hey neighbor, your debts are paid cuz you don’t pay for labor.”

Meaning: We all know slaves were the backbone of this entire country. Hamilton wasn’t afraid to remind Jefferson of that. It’s the thing we probably would have said to Jefferson if we could.

2. Angelica in “Satisfied”

“So this is what it feels like to match wits with someone at your level. What the hell is the catch?”

Meaning: Pretty self explanatory. Everyone wants their equal. However, what makes this line so cool is Angelica is the only sister that gets to rap in the play, and quite fast. Angelica is truly the only one that can keep up with him in a way. I see you, Lin.

3. Lafayette in “Guns & Ships”

“I’m taking this horse by the reins making Redcoats redder with bloodstains.”

Meaning: This entire song is rapped so fast, I miss most of it. However, this line particularly about the Redcoats getting redder with blood stains is awesome, violent, and bold.

4. Angelica in “Schuyler Sisters”

“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.”

Meaning: This is a line in the Declaration of Independence. But when they said “all men,” they mean land-owning white men. To have a Black woman recite these lines that weren’t mean for us, followed with the lines “When I meet Thomas Jefferson, I’mma compel him to include women in the sequel.” The greatest.

5. Thomas Jefferson in “Washington On Your Side” 

“If Washington isn’t gonna listen to disciplined dissidents, this is the difference; this kid is out.”

Meaning: Did Jefferson just quit? I think so. Also, the alliteration of these lyrics is amazing.

6. Hamilton in “Cabinet Battle #2”

“A game of chess, where France is Queen and Kingless.”

Meaning: Burn! Chess is alluded to a lot in this musical. Queen and King are the most important pieces in a game. Hamilton is relating the current state of France to chess to show they really aren’t worth the fight.

7. King George III in “You’ll Be Back”

“You’ll be back soon; you’ll see. You remember you belong to me.”

Meaning: He’s talking about the U.S of A, you know? Britain thought they owned us for a period of time, and they did. But soon we broke “free.” This entire song is like a cheesy break-up song, saying we’ll be begging to come back, but look at us now!

8. Thomas Jefferson in “What Did I Miss?”

“I’ve been in Paris meeting lots of different ladies…”

Meaning: One of the ladies? Angelica Schuyler. BOOM! Remember when she said she would compel him to include women in the sequel?

9. Aaron Burr in “We Know”

“Alexander, rumors only grow. And we both know what we know.

Meaning: People will find out about the affair eventually. Plus, Hamilton knows all about Burr’s affairs too so it’s fair game.

10. Hamilton/Angelica in “Take A Break”

“My dearest, Angelica.”

Meaning: THE COMMA. It changes the meaning. Grammar is a funny thing. “My dearest, Angelica” vs “My dearest Angelica,” changes everything. The former saying that Angelica IS his dearest, where the latter is letter formality, it could be written to anyone. It was also Lin-Manuel’s way to add to the already underlying romantic tension between the two.  He calls it Commasexting. LOL.

Find more meanings & history of Hamilton lyrics on Genius.com!

The post How Lucky We Are To Be Alive Right Now, Hamilton Lyrics Decoded! appeared first on Broadway Black.

The Wiz Live! has taken the cake as the gift that keeps on giving and it’s safe to say there are no complaints on our end. 

As if God knew three hours of unadulterated magic was not enough, he has created a solution to fill the void that will grow in our hearts between The Wiz Live! and The Broadway Revival of The Wiz. And to that I say, AMEN! 

We just got word that Broadway Records is releasing The Wiz Live! Original Soundtrack.  *praise dances*  The soundtrack will be available December 18, 2015 and you’re able to preorder right now! Keep in mind, this will include the new song penned by Ne-Yo and Elijah Kelley, as well as Elijah Kelley singing the song Michael Jackson’s “Scarecrow” made popular, “You Can’t Win.” And again, the church says AMEN!

Shanice Williams leads this all star cast as “Dorothy.” Academy Award Nominated powerhouse, Queen Latifah, takes on the “The Wiz” and Grammy Award Winning, Mary J. Blige, portrays the Wicked Witch, “Evillene”. Rounding out yellow brick brigade, Ne-Yo stars as the “Tinman,” Elijah Kelley (Lee Daniels’ “The Butler”) as the “Scarecrow,” and David Alan Grier as “The Cowardly Lion,” Uzo Aduba as “Glinda The Good Witch,” and Amber Riley as “Addaperle.” 

The ensemble, in alphabetical order are: Chris Borrero, Olutayo Bosede,James Brown III, Ta’rea Campbell, Jessica Castro, Kacie Garland, Asmeret Ghebremichael, Frankie Gordils, Khadija Griffith,Tre Holloway, Antonio Hudnell, Carlos Irizarry, Marcus Paul James,Frederic Jean, Capathia Jenkins, Mykal Kilgore, Tamika Lawrence, India R. McGee, Antonio Moore,Maurice Murphy, Danielle Polanco, Malaiyka Reid, Eric Sanchez, Chris Silcox, Sherisse Springer, Ahmahd Thomas, Raphael Thomas, Elon Van Buckley, Alex Wade, Donald Webber, DaShaun Wesley, Xavier Wilcher, and NaTasha Yvette Williams.

This news has me easing on down the road as I count down the days until the Dec 3 live event. Until then, I’ll keep rewatching the cast sing Ease On Down The Road:

The post ORDER NOW! The Wiz Live! Original Soundtrack Is Available For Preorder appeared first on Broadway Black.