After the curtain call, the entire cast took the stage to wish her happy trails by singing the gospel classic I Won’t Complain by Rev. Paul Jones. Led by Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo, and Antonyo Award winner Danielle Brooks, the emotional send-off was a Broadway Black moment to witness.

The cast also featured Isaiah Johnson as Mister, Jennie Harney as Nettie, and Kyle Scatliffe as Harpo. The production began performances at the Jacobs Theatre on November 10, 2015.

The post FLASHBACK! The Color Purple Revival Cast Sing ‘I Won’t Complain’ appeared first on Broadway Black.

Cedric the Entertainer is set to host and the official ceremony will take place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sept. 19, 2021.

Some of the standout theatre stars you’ll be ecstatic to see include:

Carl Clemons-Hopkins, who uses they/them pronouns, is the breakout star of “Hacks” on HBO and is known by our audience for his work in the Chicago production of Hamilton.

Uzo Aduba, who will be returning to Broadway in Lynn Nottage’s new play, is nominated for the 5th time in her career (she’s won 3 Emmys already). This time for her work on “In Treatment”.

Mj Rodriguez, who has been doing the WERK on “Pose” 3 seasons in a row finally gets the recognition that she deserves for the role of “Blanca.” It couldn’t have come at a better time as the series finale aired in June.

Jurnee Smollett, last seen on stage in The Trip to Bountiful alongside Cicely Tyson, for “Lovecraft Country”

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Sterling K. Brown,  “This Is Us”

Billy Porter, “Pose”

Aunjanue Ellis, “Lovecraft Country”

Samira Wiley, “The Handmaid’s Tale”

Courtney B. Vance, “Lovecraft Country”

Don Cheadle, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”

Morgan Freeman, “The Kominsky Method”

Grammy, Emmy, & Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo, for “Genius: Aretha”

& of course the Hamilton crew has arrived at the Emmys via the filmed Broadway production for Disney+

Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Hamilton”

Leslie Odom Jr., “Hamilton”

Renée Elise Goldsberry, “Hamilton”,

Daveed Diggs, “Hamilton”,

Anthony Ramos, “Hamilton”

View the full list of nominees in all major categories HERE

The post Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Cynthia Erivo, Billy Porter + More Garner Emmy Nominations appeared first on Broadway Black.

Photo by Wikimedia via Rhododendrites

The book centers on a mother and daughter who dream together beyond what the world has for them. The young protagonist goes to bed at night and dreams of being and going anywhere she sets her mind, after her mother tells her, “Remember to dream, Ebere.” Erivo says, “I wanted to give the readers a little hope, knowledge, and a belief that their dreams are important, and no dream is too big or too small. This book is extremely close to my heart.” The book is illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, and is inspired by Cynthia’s own relationship with her mother, being encouraged to dream and grow as a young girl. 

Dreaming bigger and bolder is a part of Cynthia’s natural charm. She will soon star as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, in an upcoming docu-drama for National Geographic entitled, Genius: Aretha. She is also working on her debut solo music project as well as developing a film based on the life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, which she will star in and produce. 

Congratulations, Cynthia! Thank you for reminding us to dream!!

The post She’s Beautiful and She’s Here: Cynthia Erivo Set to Publish a Children’s Book this Fall appeared first on Broadway Black.

President and CEO of the Critics Choice Association, Joey Berlin said, “In a year when the need for entertainment was undeniable, the industry…delighted us, educated us, challenged us, and most importantly, brought us all together.” 

This year’s nominees include a Broadway Black roster of Tony winners and nominees.

Courtesy of HBO

Cynthia Erivo is nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role on the HBO series “The Outsider.” Erivo is a Tony- and Grammy-winning actress for her role as Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple. 

CREDIT: SERGEI BACHLAKOV/NBC

NBC’s newest comedy, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” stars Broadway and “Glee” powerhouse, Alex Newell. Newell starred as Asaka, Mother of the Earth, in the Tony-winning revival of Once on This Island. He is currently nominated as Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Image credit: Fargo

Comedian Chris Rock is stretching his dramatic talents in the FX drama “Fargo.” Nominated for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television, his stage credits include the Tony-nominated The Motherf**ker with the Hat. 

Courtesy of FX

Stage and screen star Uzo Aduba is now nominated for role as Civil Rights icon Shirley Chisolm in the FX series “Mrs. America.” An award-winning television star already for “Orange is the New Black,” she is no stranger to the theatre playing in shows such as Godspell and The Wiz Live!

Image credit: Fargo

Glynn Turman, recently off the release and debut of the Netflix adaptation August Wilson’s play Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, is nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Televsion for “Fargo.”

Photo Credit: William Gray/SHOWTIME.

Tony-winning Hamilton: An American Musical star, Daveed Diggs, has been flexing his dramatic muscles since departing the original Broadway cast of Hamilton. He is nominated this year for Showtime’s “The Good Lord Bird” as Best Supporting Actor for a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for his role as abolitionist Frederick Douglass. 

*The Critics Choice Awards will be hosted by Broadway vet, Taye Diggs (Rent, Chicago, and The Wild Party) and air on The CW Sunday, March 7, 2021.

The post Critics Choice Awards Recognizes Broadway Talent appeared first on Broadway Black.

1.Without You – Leslie Odom Jr.  

Now, we BEEN knew about Leslie since Venice (shoutout to the people who remember that gorgeous show.) We also already know this man is not only a phenomenal singer but an actor as well. I believe the Tony chilling at the crib answered that for anyone unsure. However, his solo work and concerts have shown where his true artistry lies. Rent is one of my favorite musicals of all time, as it is for many people, yet one song I never liked, is this one. I never understood it’s full weight until this cover. Leslie’s ability to take a song, digest it, and embody it is downright despicable. The man has so much control over his instrument. He manipulates his tone and air continuously to create the exact sound he wants, like a violinist adjusting their pressure or speed. I am in awe of his skill every time I watch a performance of his. 

2.I Won’t Complain – Amber Iman ft Cynthia Erivo 

You can find the gifted voices by looking at who other powerhouses love. This is a prime example of that. Cynthia Erivo brought out Amber Iman to sing I Won’t Complain for a performance back in 2016 and my GOD. The balance between the sultry, fresh jazz improv mixed with the top tier vocal training puts Amber in a league of her own. And that range!! I am always much more impressed with those deeper, rich low notes than the whistle tones. Both are impressive, but the people don’t respect the skill that those low notes take. Also, musicality. You cannot riff and run if you do not know where to run to. Let that sink in. You need to know how chords and scales work to figure out how to make all of the movement make SENSE. I’ll get off my soapbox and move on. EVEN THE MUSICIANS BEHIND HER WERE SHAKING THEIR HEADS IN DISBELIEF!

3. Take It Slow – Joshua Henry and Ciara Renée 

I love a quality duet and this is as quality as it comes. Now both of these performers are TRAINED and I do mean TRAINED. The evidence is in the blend and the placement. Crystal clear all around. The R&B style song truly shows a side of both of these artists that we don’t get from them on the Great “White” Way. However, their impeccable intonation isn’t even my favorite part of this piece. It’s chemistry. The storytelling is something to behold. Look at them still possess beats and an arc even in a stand-alone performance. I don’t know anything about this plot and yet I got a full story. This article is about vocals, but vocals mean nothing in this industry if you don’t have some acting skills to back it up. Period. 

4. She Used To Be Mine – Tiffany Mann

This song has a lot of covers that HIT, ok? However, this flips the song on its head. Tiffany Mann has always had the kind of voice that makes you have to get up and run a lap. Tiffany was actually in this show, and her knowledge of the text is incredibly evident. The gospel arrangement elevates the piece and the lines pack a punch I have never felt with this piece. Now, of course, there is soul all over this piece, but do you hear the placement? The dynamics? The range? I do! The end of the piece is taken up by SEVERAL steps and she is full voicing without strain. You cannot do that without training. Impossible. Being a true musician, she moves with the accompaniment and truly makes this a whole performance, not just someone doing a cover. We stan Ms. Tiffany Mann. 

5. Defying Gravity – Mykal Kilgore

If you need a mental reset. If you feel lost. Play this one. Play it in the house, in the car, in the gym. His range is a rubber band, stretching to wherever he sees fit. It feels like there is almost nothing his voice cannot do. He can give you soul, he can give you standard MT. He can give you a straight tone, and he can give you riffs and runs. He is unlimited, but just like the others, the vocal is not the only thing to gain from this piece. What starts as a gorgeous, vibrant cover turns into the inspirational speech you’ve been waiting for. Mykal’s attention to detail when it comes to music is mystifying. If you haven’t listened to his album, A Man Born Black, go now. This man cannot be torn down. His light, his skill, his vision, it’s unbreakable. His music makes me feel the same. 

The post 5 Times Our Broadway Black Faves Gave Us a Vocal Masterclass appeared first on Broadway Black.

Photo: John Russo

Omoba Aina was an Egbado princess of the Yoruba people that became orphaned after a war with a nearby kingdom. After being liberated from the slavery of her captors she met Queen Victoria. The queen then raised the young princess as her goddaughter.

Benedict Cumberbatch (“Sherlock”, “Doctor Strange”) will be joining Erivo in Producing this film and the untitled production will tell a story that not too many people are familiar with and give us a deep look into the story of a real Black princess. Cynthia has had her share of executing roles of monumental black figures, most notable being the role of Harriet Tubman. Along with getting that role came some issues that called out her alleged lack of compassion and understanding of the history and oppression of Black Americans. So her taking on yet another role of a historic black woman, that struggled with her own form of oppression is something that would understandably catch a side eye. However, I’m open to see Ms. Erivo grace us with her talent and beautiful execution that she brings to every role she plays. Interestingly enough, she does share more similarities with Omoba than she did with Harriet Tubman and I am excited to have a true story told about an educated Black princess and her journey as young royalty.

The post Cynthia Erivo to produce and star in film about the African Princess, Omoba Aina (Sarah Forbes Bonetta) appeared first on Broadway Black.

The cast of the Tony winner for Best Musical, Hadestown, is sharing their underground holiday sound with their cast album “If the Fates Allow (A Hadestown Holiday Album).” Led by the ladies who play The Fates in the musical – Jewelle Blackman, Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer, and Kay Trinidad – the album features other members of the cast including Tony-winner Andre De Shields who lends his jazz and blues notes to the classic “Blue Chrismas.” 

 

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Hamilton: An American Musical alum, Leslie Odom, Jr. reimagines Christmas with his second holiday album, “The Christmas Album.” The Tony- and Grammy-winning crooner sings some holiday classics, as well as introduces new sounds and guest features with songs like “Ma’oz Tzur” featuring wife, Nicolette Robinson, “Winter Song” with Tony winner Cynthia Erivo, and “Little Drummer Boy” with the Mzansi Youth Choir from South Africa. If you liked his first holiday venture “Simply Christmas,” you’re definitely going to enjoy this soon-to-be classic.

 

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“White Christmas” by Grammy-nominated Jawan Jackson (Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations), is what Santa would be blasting in his sleigh as he goes from home to home. His velvety bass notes take us on a journey that tempt our desire to be with our loved ones for Christmas. 

 

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Carly Hughes (Pippin) brings a little fun and a lot of wonder with her Chistmas album “Mistletoe & Carly.” The Broadway leading lady playfully takes on the Eartha Kitt classic “Santa Baby” with an upbeat flair that’s sure to make Rudolph blush. 

 

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Another Tony-winning Hamilton alum, Daveed Diggs, takes Hannukkah and throws some stank on it. His new single “Puppy for Hanukkah” is a dream for every kid wanting a canine companion to call their own. The song takes us through the eight nights of the traditional Jewish holiday with lyrics like, “Night two, what it do, candles get lit. Latkes, sour cream is the best dip…” Check out the music video too! 

Other holiday albums to check out from other Broadway alum:

Fantasia (After Midnight and The Color Purple) – “Christmas After Midnight”

Broadway Inspirational Voices – “Great Joy – A Gospel Christmas” and “Great Joy II: Around the World”

John Legend (Jitney) – “A Legendary Christmas (Deluxe Edition)” 

Download them all today on Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, or Amazon.

The post I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas…Broadway Edition! appeared first on Broadway Black.

Twenty-twenty has been a trip. Nothing surprises us anymore, but it hasn’t been all bad. It brought free grocery delivery, cocktails from your favorite restaurant delivered to your doorstep, and now MCC Theater’s School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play benefit reading via stream! The reading will feature Cynthia Erivo, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Ashleigh Murray, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Storm Reid, Lyric Ross, Gabourey Sidibe, and Lovie Simone. This amazing play by Jocelyn Bioh will be directed by Kamilah Forbes.

Once described by Essence as “the most important play off-Broadway”, School Girls will stream on Sunday, December 13th at 3 PM EST. Please, please, please don’t think you are going to wait until the last minute to purchase these tickets because you will have your feelings hurt. Ticket sales close at 1 PM the day of the show. $15 tickets are sold out but $30 and $50 tickets, which includes a talkback, are still available HERE.

Paulina, the reigning queen bee at Ghana’s most exclusive boarding school, has her sights set on the Miss Universe pageant. But the arrival of Ericka, a new student with undeniable talent and beauty, captures the attention of the pageant recruiter—and Paulina’s hive-minded friends. This 2018 Lortel Award winner for BEST PLAY and NEW YORK TIMES CRITIC’S PICK explores the universal similarities (and glaring differences) facing teenage girls across the globe.

The post Gabourey Sidibe and Lovie Simone Will Join Cynthia Erivo & More in School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play Benefit Reading appeared first on Broadway Black.

This landmark musical based on Alice Walker’s novel of the same name follows the the inspirational Celie, as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life. With a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, this European premiere is directed by John Doyle, and adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy award-winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Join our evening conversation about the musical featuring Russell with producer Scott Sanders, and cast members Cynthia Erivo (Celie) and Isaiah Johnson (Mister).

in from sunny LA to grey snow dusting of NYC-couldn’t be happier cuz I’m gonna be in convo w @CynthiaEriVo & #ColorPurple @SchomburgCenter

— MichaelaAngela Davis (@MichaelaAngelaD) February 8, 2016

STREAM OF THE DAY:#TheaterTalks with @BwayColorPurple. Watch #LIVE at 7 PM ET ➝ https://t.co/ut1iFVzXxo pic.twitter.com/HF6CeMdDiT

— Livestream (@Livestream) February 8, 2016

And we can’t wait! #TheaterTalks https://t.co/TKDK2G31SA @BwayColorPurple https://t.co/DAHgk6S9eV

— SchomburgCenter (@SchomburgCenter) February 8, 2016

The post Theater Talks: The Color Purple Presented By Schomburg Center appeared first on Broadway Black.

Abasiama came to America with high hopes—for her arranged marriage and for her future—intent on earning a degree and returning to Nigeria. But when her husband is seduced by America, she must choose between the Nigerian and the American dream.

Still, Broadway Black got the chance to sit down with Udofia and discuss why she took a break from singing, how she defines her work, and what exactly is “Nigeria-dar.”

Broadway Black (BB): You’re just like…a master of everything!
Mfoniso Udofia (MU):  Oh, my mother is like ‘Be careful Mfoniso, don’t become a jack of all trades and master of none!’  Because I did, I liked to dabble!

BB:  What’s the last incredible show you saw?
MU: I just saw The Color Purple and Cynthia Erivo… it’s like my Nigeria-dar went off! She was so good, like incandescent. From this little body came this gorgeous, gorgeous voice.  The Color Purple itself, by Alice Walker, the book tore me up. The movie destroyed me. Then watching it… I think I forgot how deep the story was and the type of healing that story demands.  Alice Walker is a beast.  Reading her canon is good for the Black body.

BB: So did seeing Color Purple inspire you at all [to want to return to acting/singing]?
MU: For a hot HOT second!  But I don’t sing like that, and that was a big thing when I was auditioning.  I think people want me to sound a very particular way, because of what I look like.  So it’s gonna demand a breaking of our gaze which sometimes is easy and sometimes is not.

BB: There’s been a lot of talk about the white gaze over the different productions.  What would you say to someone who is trying to work under what we might veil as a “white gaze?”
MU: Having the uncomfortable conversations, in the beginning, is important and right at the start dismantling privilege.  I do think that is something that Playwrights Realm was wonderful working with me going, ‘Listen, the play I’m writing right now, the gaze from which I’m writing it is not the gaze that most western theatergoers might understand and I am not interested in changing the internal heartbeat that way’ and I was actually listened to.  But, you can’t make an assumption that you are understood. I push from the beginning so that in the middle when I’m pushing it can’t be like ‘Oh, I didn’t know this might be coming one day.’ I’m pretty upfront.

BB: What is unique to you and your storytelling?
MU: I make sound. It’s poetry, really. I may break the form of what feels like spoken word. My father was giving me narratives to read when I was young and I think I started thinking in poetry and it’s leaked into my writing. I love it because it confounds itself.  The line will play on six different levels.   The way poetry and prose fuse…

BB: If you had to give it a name…?
MU: If I had to give it a name… [You can hear her struggling to create the vocabulary for her art] You’re asking me to create on the spot, you’re watching the creative mist [she laughs]…. It is “true north.” My poetry is the container in Sojourners and is true north in Run Boy Run.

BB: What do you want your audience to take away from Sojourners?
MU: I want them to have critical sight into what the African-Nigerian body actually is. How certain immigrants might have come here to build a life.  Especially since now, we’re having really interesting conversations on immigrants and there’s a particular sense of phobia in certain pockets, so to really understand what it’s like. I want audiences to understand that the WAY immigrants come into this country, they’re varied, there might not even be a desire to stay, and that building within the Amerian dream is a particular crisis.  I hope this play complicates the idea of the American Dream and makes us understand that when immigrants are coming in they’re coming in with their own dreams and will become a fuel for the American Dream.
Also, I do hope people start to grapple with the African body vis-à-vis the African American body and we start to build language and see where connections fail and where connections can be made between those two communities.

Sojourners is currently playing at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater through Feb. 13.  For tickets, visit TicketCentral.com.  For more on what Mfoniso is up to, check out her website mfonisoudofia.com.

On the set of #Sojourners today with playwright @mfudofia! Tonight the first preview for her stellar new play happens at @playwrightsrealm! This off-Broadway play is a dynamic debut for a playwright who is bound to have many more produced! Can’t wait to share all of what we talked about today. Look for it on BroadwayBlack.com! #BroadwayBlack

A photo posted by Broadway Black (@broadwayblack) on Jan 21, 2016 at 11:23am PST

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