A landmark of Black television is making its way to Broadway with an all-star team of Black creatives leading the charge. On June 3, 2025, producer Brian Anthony Moreland announced the development of Polly: The Musical, a new stage adaptation of the 1989 Disney film Polly and the novel by Eleanor H. Porter. Two-time Tony Award winner Debbie Allen, who directed the original film, will return to direct and choreograph the Broadway-bound production.

Joining Allen to bring this story to the stage are Emmy-winning writer and producer Lena Waithe and actor-playwright Michael Benjamin Washington, who will co-write the book. The music and lyrics will be handled by Grammy winner Siedah Garrett (Man in the Mirror) and rising musical theatre writer Joriah Kwamé (Little Miss Perfect).

Set in 1950s Alabama, Polly centers around a relentlessly optimistic young Black girl whose joy and positivity challenge the divisions of a segregated Southern town. Originally adapted for television by Debbie Allen in 1989, the film starred Keshia Knight Pulliam, Phylicia Rashad, and Dorian Harewood (The Notebook: The Musical) Barbara Montgomery (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Raisin), Vanessa Bell Calloway (Purlie Victorious, Dreamgirls), Brandon Quintin Adams (“Moonwalker,” “Mighty Ducks”), Ken Page (Ain’t Misbehavin‘, The Wiz, Cats), Brock Peters (Lost in the Stars, The Caucasian Chalk Circle), George Anthony Bell (Timbuktu), Michael Peters (Dreamgirls, Comin’ Uptown) Vickilyn Reynolds (Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk)  and featured the final screen performance of Butterfly McQueen, best known for her role as Prissy in Gone with the Wind. A sequel, Polly: Comin’ Home, aired in 1990.

“The message of Polly is one that we need today more than ever,” Allen shared. “ That the power of a single positive voice can make change in the face of adversity and divisiveness; that the voice of a child could bring unity and hope — is what Polly is about. This musical, with its joy and its unbridled hope, will shine a light on a path for every audience to find unity in their community.”

Producer Brian Moreland added, “This team of creative all-stars is exactly what Polly needs to bring her story to the stage. With Debbie’s brilliant hands back on the steering wheel, I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working together with them to share this experience with the world.”

A Legacy of Black Excellence

Debbie Allen’s return to the director’s chair for Polly is nothing short of full-circle. A Howard University alum, Kennedy Center honoree, and Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning icon, Allen has choreographed the Oscars ten times and directed for shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Empire, and Insecure. Her Broadway and Hollywood legacy spans decades—and generations.

Lena Waithe continues to blaze trails as the creator of The Chi, the screenwriter of Queen & Slim, and the producer behind A Thousand and One and Being Mary Tyler Moore. This marks another major step into theatre for the Hillman Grad founder, following her producer credit on Ain’t No Mo’.

Michael Benjamin Washington, a powerhouse in both acting and playwriting, brings a deep understanding of political and cultural storytelling, including his critically acclaimed Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin. His turn as James Baldwin on MGM+’s Godfather of Harlem further shows his range in capturing Black icons with nuance and fire.

Music with Heart and History

Siedah Garrett’s name is synonymous with hits like Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” and “Love You I Do” from Dreamgirls, which earned her a Grammy and an Oscar nomination. Her work is featured in MJ the Musical and The Color Purple musical film adaptation. Garrett’s songwriting has always held emotional weight—and her theatrical work is no different.

Joining her is Joriah Kwamé, the emerging force behind the viral song “Little Miss Perfect,” and co-writer of “Top of the World” for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. Kwamé represents the next generation of musical theatre writers—a visionary voice continuing the legacy of Black storytelling on Broadway.

With a team like this, Polly: The Musical is shaping up to be a powerful blend of nostalgia, Black girl joy, and intergenerational storytelling with modern musical edge. General management will be provided by KGM Theatricals, and additional creative team members and casting will be announced soon.

Broadway better get ready—Polly is coming, and she’s bringing hope, harmony, and a whole lot of history with her.

—

Follow Broadway Black for updates on casting, previews, and more about Polly: The Musical

The post Broadway-Bound Polly: The Musical Taps All-Black Creative Team Including Debbie Allen and Lena Waithe appeared first on Broadway Black.

Friedman-Abeles/New York Public Library

Today marks the 62nd anniversary of the Broadway debut of Lorraine Hansberry’s landmark play A Raisin In the Sun. It was on this date that history was made as Hansberry was the first African American woman to have her play produced and performed on Broadway; it was also the first Broadway play to be directed by a Black person (Lloyd Richards). It opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theater (and later moved to the Belasco Theater) on March 11, 1959, and played for a total of 530 performances before closing on June 25, 1960.

The play centers around the Youngers: a family of five that lives in a 2-bedroom apartment on the Southside of Chicago. Set to the backdrop of post-WWII, the family’s pursuit of success is driven by the idealization of the American dream; often thwarted by the consequential effects of racism, cultural appropriation and identity, and generational differences. Hansberry gives the reader, and oftentimes the performer, an eye-opening look into the Black experience in America with questions of freedom – educational and economic – ruling the conversation.

The play echoes many of the circumstances and accounts of the playwright’s family from the 1940 Supreme Court case of Hansberry v. Lee, which gave them a voice in the judicial system to fight against racial discrimination in the housing market.  Inspired by that, she wrote parts of her truth through the language of a family who only wanted their slice of the American pie; a slice that would feed their spirits in a world that starved them of their identity. 

A Raisin In the Sun has seen a long history on Broadway and around the world. After the original production was nominated in 1960 for four Tony Awards, the story became a universal tale of hope and success. The original production starred Hollywood leading man Sidney Poitier (later succeeded by Ossie Davis), Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil, Diana Sands, Louis Gossett, Ivan Dixon, Lonne Elder III, John Fiedler, Glynn Turman, and Ed Hall. Multiple iterations of Hansberry’s classic have graced the stage and screen over the last 62 years: 

1961 film starring the original Broadway cast. 

Raisin (a musical based on A Raisin In the Sun) debuted on Broadway in 1973. The book was written by Hansberry’s former husband and starred Joe Morton, Debbie Allen, Virginia Capers (Tony winner for Lead Actress in a Musical), Ernestine Jackson, and Ralph Carter. It also won the Tony Award for Best Musical. 

1989 tv film starring Danny Glover and Esther Rolle.

2004 Broadway revival starring Sean Combs, Audra McDonald (Tony winner for Best Featured Actress in a Play), Sanaa Lathan, and Phylicia Rashad (Tony winner for Best Actress in a Play; also the first Black woman to win this award).

2008 tv movie event starring many of the leads of the 2004 Broadway revival. 

2014 Broadway revival at the Ethel Barrymore Theater (where it originally played in 1959) starring Denzel Washington, Sophie Okonedo (Tony winner for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play), Anika Noni Rose, and LaTanya Richardson Jackson. The production also won the Tonys for Best Revival of a Play and Best Direction for Kenny Leon (who also directed the 2008 tv movie). 

The title was inspired by the Langston Hughes poem “Harlem,” which starts out with “what happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?” It is the hope in the midst of suffering and the strength in the midst of pain that makes this classic theatre work a blessing to the arts community.

In honor of Women’s History Month, Broadway Black honors Lorraine Hansberry. Your dream is a gift to us all.

The post A Dream Realized: On This Day In Black Theatre History A Raisin In the Sun Debuts on Broadway appeared first on Broadway Black.

Anika Noni-Rose, Chloe Bailey, Erika Alexander, Nicco Annan, and TC Carson presented the nominees via Instagram. Noni-Rose & Annan garnering nominations for work in the holiday musical Jingle Jangle: A Christman Journey and Katori Hall‘s play turned television series,  P-Valley, respectively.

The nominees are Viola Davis, Debbie Allen, Angela Bassett, Keith David, Sterling K. Brown, Simone Missick, Jenifer Lewis, Aunjanue Ellis, Leslie Odom Jr., Daveed Diggs, Radha Blank, Phylicia Rashad, J. Alphonse Nicholson & so many more.

Check out the full list of nominees:

SPECIAL AWARDS

Social Justice Impact

April Ryan

Debbie Allen

Lebron James

Stacey Abrams

Tamika Mallory

Entertainer of the Year

D-Nice

Regina King

Viola Davis

Trevor Noah

Tyler Perry

TELEVISION + STREAMING 

Outstanding Comedy Series

#blackAF (Netflix)

Black-ish (ABC)

grown-ish (Freeform)

Insecure (HBO)

The Last O.G. (TBS)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

Anthony Anderson – Black-ish (ABC)

Cedric The Entertainer – The Neighborhood (CBS)

Don Cheadle – Black Monday (Showtime)

Idris Elba – In the Long Run (Starz)

Tracy Morgan – The Last O.G. (TBS)

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

Issa Rae – Insecure (HBO)

Folake Olowofoyeku – Bob Hearts Abishola (CBS)

Regina Hall – Black Monday (Showtime)

Tracee Ellis Ross – Black-ish (ABC)

Yara Shahidi – Grown-ish (Freeform)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Andre Braugher – Brooklyn Nine-Nine (NBC)

Deon Cole – Black-ish (ABC)

Jay Ellis – Insecure (HBO)

Kenan Thompson – Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Laurence Fishburne – Black-ish (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Jenifer Lewis – Black-ish (ABC)

Marsai Martin – Black-ish (ABC)

Natasha Rothwell – Insecure (HBO)

Tichina Arnold – The Neighborhood (CBS)

Yvonne Orji – Insecure (HBO)

Outstanding Drama Series

All Rise (CBS)

Bridgerton (Netflix)

Lovecraft Country (HBO)

Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)

This Is Us (NBC)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

Jonathan Majors – Lovecraft Country (HBO)

Keith David – Greenleaf (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Nicco Annan – P-Valley (Starz)

Regé-Jean Page – Bridgerton (Netflix)

Sterling K. Brown – This Is Us (NBC)

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

Angela Bassett – 9-1-1 (FOX)

Brandee Evans – P-Valley (Starz)

Jurnee Smollett – Lovecraft Country (HBO)

Simone Missick – All Rise (CBS)

Viola Davis – How To Get Away With Murder (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Clifford “Method Man” Smith – Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)

Delroy Lindo – The Good Fight (CBS All Access)

Alphonse Nicholson – P-Valley (Starz)

Jeffrey Wright – Westworld (HBO)

Michael Kenneth Williams – Lovecraft Country (HBO)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Adjoa Andoh – Bridgerton (Netflix)

Aunjanue Ellis – Lovecraft Country (HBO)

Lynn Whitfield – Greenleaf (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Mary J. Blige – Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)

Susan Kelechi Watson – This Is Us (NBC)

Outstanding Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special

Hamilton (Disney+)

Little Fires Everywhere (Hulu)

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (Netflix)

Sylvie’s Love (Amazon Studios)

The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel (Lifetime)

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special

Blair Underwood – Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (Netflix)

Chris Rock – Fargo (FX)

Daveed Diggs – Hamilton (Disney+)

Leslie Odom, Jr. – Hamilton (Disney+)

Nnamdi Asomugha – Sylvie’s Love (Amazon Studios)

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special

Aunjanue Ellis – The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel (Lifetime)

Kerry Washington – Little Fires Everywhere (Hulu)

Michaela Coel – I May Destroy You (HBO)

Octavia Spencer – Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (Netflix)

Tessa Thompson – Sylvie’s Love (Amazon Studios)

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)

AM Joy: Remembering John Lewis Special (MSNBC)

Desus & Mero: The Obama Interview (Showtime)

The Color of Covid (CNN)

The New York Times Presents “The Killing of Breonna Taylor” (FX)

The Reidout (NBC)

Outstanding Talk Series

Red Table Talk (Facebook Watch)

Tamron Hall (Syndicated )

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)

The Oprah Conversation (Apple TV+)

The Shop: Uninterrupted (HBO)

Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series)

Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)

Iyanla: Fix My Life (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Shark Tank (ABC)

United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell (CNN)

Voices of Fire (Netflix)

Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special)

8:46 (Netflix)

Black Is King (Disney+)

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion (HBO Max)

VERZUZ (APPLE TV)

Yvonne Orji: Momma I Made It! (HBO)

Outstanding Children’s Program

Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices (Netflix)

Craig of the Creek (Cartoon Network)

Family Reunion (Netflix)

Raven’s Home (Disney Channel)

We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical (HBO)

Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited–Series)

Alex R. Hibbert – The Chi (Showtime)

Lexi Underwood – Little Fires Everywhere (Hulu)

Lyric Ross – This Is Us (NBC)

Marsai Martin – Black-ish (ABC)

Miles Brown – Black-ish (ABC)

Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble

Don Lemon – CNN Tonight with Don Lemon (CNN)

Jada Pinkett Smith – Red Table Talk (Facebook Watch)

Joy Reid – The Reidout (NBC)

LeBron James – The Shop: Uninterrupted (HBO)

Trevor Noah – The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)

Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble

Alfonso Ribeiro – America’s Funniest Home Videos (ABC)

Iyanla Vanzant – Iyanla: Fix My Life (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Steve Harvey – Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)

Kamau Bell – United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell (CNN)

RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1)

Outstanding Guest Performance – Comedy or Drama Series

Chris Rock – Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Courtney B. Vance – Lovecraft Country (HBO)

Dave Chappelle – Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Issa Rae – Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Loretta Devine – P-Valley (Starz)

Outstanding Animated Series

Big Mouth (Netflix)

Central Park (Apple TV+)

Doc McStuffins (Disney Junior)

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (Netflix)

Star Trek: Lower Decks (CBS All Access)

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)

Aisha Tyler – Archer (FX)

Courtney B. Vance – Hollywood’s Architect: The Paul R. Williams Story (PBS)

Dawnn Lewis – Star Trek: Lower Decks (CBS All Access)

Deon Cole – Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (Netflix)

Laya DeLeon Hayes – Doc McStuffins (Disney Junior)

Outstanding Short Form Series – Comedy or Drama

#FreeRayshawn (Quibi)

CripTales (BBC America)

Lazor Wulf (Adult Swim)

Mapleworth Murders (Quibi)

Sincerely, Camille (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Outstanding Performance in a Short Form Series

Giancarlo Esposito – The Broken and the Bad (AMC.com )

J.B. Smoove – Mapleworth Murders (Quibi)

Jasmine Cephas Jones – #FreeRayshawn (Quibi)

Laurence Fishburne – #FreeRayshawn (Quibi)

Stephan James – #FreeRayshawn (Quibi)

Outstanding Short Form Series – Reality/Nonfiction

American Masters – Unladylike2020 (PBS)

Benedict Men (Quibi)

Between The Scenes – The Daily Show (Comedy Central)

In The Making (PBS)

Inspire Change Series (NFL Network)

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)

Katori Hall – P-Valley (Starz)

Keith Knight – Woke (Hulu)

Ramy Youssef – Ramy (Hulu)

Raynelle Swilling – Cherish the Day (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Teri Schaffer – Cherish the Day (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

RECORDING

Outstanding New Artist

Chika – High Rises (Warner Records)

Doja Cat – Say So (RCA Records/Kemosabe )

D Smoke – Black Habits (WoodWorks Records / EMPIRE)

Giveon – When It’s All Said And Done (Epic Records)

Skip Marley – Higher Place (Island Records/ Tuff Gong Records)

Outstanding Male Artist

Big Sean – Detroit 2 (Def Jam Recordings/G.O.O.D Music)

Black Thought – Streams of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane & Able (Republic Records)

Charlie Wilson – All of My Love (P Music Group/BMG)

Drake – Laugh Now, Cry Later (Republic Records)

John Legend – Bigger Love (Columbia Records)

Outstanding Female Artist

Beyoncé – Black Parade (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

E.R. – I Can’t Breathe (RCA Records/MBK Entertainment)

Jazmine Sullivan – Lost One (RCA Records)

Ledisi – Anything For You (Listen Back Entertainment/BMG)

Alicia Keys – Alicia (RCA Records)

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album

I Can’t Breathe – H.E.R. (RCA Records/MBK Entertainment)

Anything For You – Ledisi (Listen Back Entertainment/BMG)

Black is King – Beyonce´ (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

Brown Skin Girl – Beyonce’ feat WizKid, SAINt JHN, Blu Ivy Carter (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

Do It – Chloe x Halle (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

Outstanding Album

Alicia – Alicia Keys (RCA Records)

b7 – Brandy (Brand Nu/eOne)

Bigger Love – John Legend (Columbia Records)

Chilombo – Jhené Aiko (Def Jam Recordings)

The Wild Card – LEDISI (Listen Back Entertainment/BMG)

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Music from the Netflix Film) – Branford Marsalis (Milan)

Insecure: Music from the HBO Original Series – Various Artists (Atlantic Records)

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey – Various Artists (Atlantic Records )

Soul Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Jon Batiste, and Tom MacDougall (Walt Disney Records)

The First Ladies of Gospel: The Clark Sisters Biopic Soundtrack – Donald Lawrence (Relevé Entertainment)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album

Chosen Vessel – Marvin Sapp (RCA Inspiration)

Gospel According to PJ – PJ Morton (Morton Inspiration / Tyscot Records)

I Am – Koryn Hawthorne (RCA Inspiration)

Kierra – Kierra Sheard (Karew/RCA Inspiration)

The Return – The Clark Sisters (Karew/Motown)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song

“All in His Plan” – PJ Morton (Morton Inspiration / Tyscot Records)

“Never Lost” – CeCe Winans (Pure Springs Gospel)

“Something Has To Break” – Kierra Sheard feat. Tasha Cobbs-Leonard (Karew/RCA Inspiration)

“Strong God” – Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA Records)

“Touch from You” – Tamela Mann (TillyMann Inc.)

Outstanding Jazz Album – Instrumental

Be Water – Christian Sands (Mack Avenue Music Group)

Music From and Inspired By Soul – Jon Batiste (Walt Disney Records)

Omega – Immanuel Wilkins (Blue Note Records)

Reciprocity – George Burton (Inner Circle Music)

The Iconoclast – Barry Stephenson (Independent)

Outstanding Jazz Album – Vocal

Donny Duke and Wonder – Nathan Mitchell (ENM Music Group)

Holy Room – Live at Alte Oper – Somi (Salon Africana)

Pulling Off The Covers – Mike Phillips (Sono Recording Group)

Stronger – Jeff Bradshaw (Bone Deep Enterprises)

The Eddy (From The Netflix Original Series) – The Eddy (Arista Records)

Outstanding Soul/R&B Song

“I Can’t Breathe” – H.E.R. (RCA Records/MBK Entertainment)

“Anything For You” – LEDISI (Listen Back Entertainment/BMG)

“S. feat. H.E.R” – Jhené Aiko (Def Jam Recordings)

“Black Parade” – Beyonce’ (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

“Do It” – Chloe x Halle (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song

“Deep Reverence feat. Nipsey Hussle” – Big Sean (Brand Nu/eOne)

“Savage Remix” – Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé (300 Entertainment / 1501 Certified Ent. LLC)

“Cool Off” – Missy Elliott (Atlantic Records)

“Laugh Now, Cry Later” – Drake (Republic Records)

“Life Is Good” – Future & Drake (Epic Records)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)

Alicia Keys feat. Jill Scott – Jill Scott (RCA Records)

Chloe x Halle – Wonder What She Thinks Of Me (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis feat. Babyface – He Don’t Know Nothin’ Bout It (BMG)

Kem feat. Toni Braxton – Live Out Your Love (Motown Records)

Ledisi and PJ Morton – Anything For You (Listen Back Entertainment/BMG)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)

Alicia Keys feat. Khalid – “So Done” (RCA Records)

Big Sean feat. Nipsey Hussle – “Deep Reverence” (Def Jam Recordings/G.O.O.D Music)

Chloe x Halle – “Do It” (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

Jhené Aiko feat. H.E.R. – “B.S”. (Def Jam Recordings)

Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé – “Savage Remix” (300 Entertainment / 1501 Certified Ent. LLC)

Outstanding International Song

“Blessed” – Buju Banton (Roc Nation Records)

“Lockdown” – Original Koffee (Promise Land Recordings)

“Pressure (Remix)” – Original Koffee feat. Buju Banton (Promise Land Recordings)

“Tanana” – Davido feat. Tiwa Savage (RCA Records/Sony Music U.K./Davido Worldwide Entertainment)

“Temptation” – Tiwa Savage (Motown Records)

Outstanding Producer of the Year

Donald Lawrence

Hit-Boy

Jathan Wilson

Sean Keys

TM88

LITERATURE

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction

Black Bottom Saints – Alice Randall (HarperCollins Publishers)

Lakewood – Megan Giddings (HarperCollins Publishers)

Riot Baby – Tochi Onyebuchi (TorDotCom Publishing, imprint of Tom Doherty Associates)

The Awkward Black Man – Walter Mosley (Grove Atlantic)

The Vanishing Half – Brit Bennett (Riverhead Books)

Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction

A Black Women’s History of the United States – Daina Berry (Beacon Press)

A Promised Land – Barack Obama (Crown)

Driving While Black – Gretchen Sorin (W. W. Norton & Company)

Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America – Michael Eric Dyson (St. Martin’s Press)

We’re Better Than This – Elijah Cummings (HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author

A Knock at Midnight – Brittany Barnett (Penguin Random House)

Greyboy: Finding Blackness in a White World – Cole Brown (Skyhorse)

Lakewood – Megan Giddings (HarperCollins Publishers)

The Compton Cowboys – Walter Thompson-Hernandez (HarperCollins Publishers)

We’re Better Than This – Elijah Cummings (HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography

A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America’s First All-Black High School Rowing Team – Arshay Cooper (Macmillan)

A Promised Land – Barack Obama (Crown)

Olympic Pride, American Prejudice – Deborah Draper (Simon & Schuster)

The Dead Are Arising – Les Payne, Tamara Payne (W. W. Norton & Company)

Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL’s First Black Player – Willie O’Ree (Penguin Canada)

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional

Do Right by Me: Learning to Raise Black Children in White Space – Valerie Harrison (Temple University Press)

Living Lively – Haile Thomas (HarperCollins Publishers)

The Black Foster Youth Handbook – Ángela Quijada-Banks (Soulful Liberation)

The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith–Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally – Kimberla Lawson Roby (Lenox Press)

Vegetable Kingdom – Bryant Terry (Penguin Random House)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry

Homie – Danez Smith (Graywolf Press)

Kontemporary Amerikan Poetry – John Murillo (Four Way Books)

Seeing the Body – Rachel Eliza Griffiths (W. W. Norton & Company)

The Age of Phillis – Honorée Jeffers (Wesleyan University Press)

Un-American – Hafizah Geter (Wesleyan University Press)

Outstanding Literary Work – Children

I Promise – LeBron James, Nina Mata (HarperCollins)

Just Like a Mama – Alice Faye Duncan, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow (Simon & Schuster)

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice – Nikki Grimes, Laura Freeman (Simon & Schuster)

She Was the First!: The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm – Katheryn Russell-Brown, Eric Velasquez (Lee & Low Books)

The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver – Gene Barretta, Frank Morrison (HarperCollins)

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens

Before the Ever After – Jacqueline Woodson (Penguin Random House)

Black Brother, Black Brother – Jewell Parker Rhodes (Hachette Book Group)

Dear Justyce – Nic Stone (Crown Books for Young Readers)

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning – Jason Reynolds (Hachette Book Group )

This is Your Time – Ruby Bridges (Delacorte Books for Young Readers)

MOTION PICTURE

Outstanding Motion Picture

Bad Boys For Life (Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Entertainment)

Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

One Night In Miami… (Amazon Studios)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

Anthony Mackie – The Banker (Apple)

Chadwick Boseman – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Delroy Lindo – Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)

Forest Whitaker – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Will Smith – Bad Boys For Life (Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Entertainment)

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

Issa Rae – The Photograph (Universal Pictures)

Janelle Monáe – Antebellum (Lionsgate)

Madalen Mills – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Tracee Ellis Ross – The High Note (Focus Features)

Viola Davis – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

Aldis Hodge – One Night In Miami… (Amazon Studios)

Chadwick Boseman – Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)

Clarke Peters – Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)

Colman Domingo – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Glynn Turman – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Anika Noni Rose – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Gabourey Sidibe – Antebellum (Lionsgate)

Nia Long – The Banker (Apple)

Phylicia Rashad – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Taylour Paige – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture

Emperor (Universal Home Video)

Farewell Amor (IFC Films)

Miss Juneteenth (Vertical Entertainment)

The 24th (Vertical Entertainment)

The Banker (Apple)

Outstanding International Motion Picture

Ainu Mosir (ARRAY)

His House (Netflix)

Night of the Kings (Neon)

The Last Tree (ArtMattan Productions)

The Life Ahead (La vita davanti a se) (Netflix)

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture

Dayo Okeniyi – Emperor (Universal Home Video)

Dominique Fishback – Project Power (Netflix)

Jahi Di’Allo Winston – Charm City Kings (HBO Max)

Jahzir Bruno – The Witches (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Madalen Mills – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture

Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

The Banker (Apple)

Outstanding Animated Motion Picture

Onward (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Over the Moon (Netflix)

Scoob! (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Trolls World Tour (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture

Ahmir-Khalib Thompson aka Questlove – Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Angela Bassett – Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Chris Rock – The Witches (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Jamie Foxx – Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Phylicia Rashad – Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Outstanding Short Form. (Live Action)

Baldwin Beauty (Powderkeg Media)

Black Boy Joy (Film Independent Project Involve )

Gets Good Light

Home

Mr. & Mrs. Ellis (AMB Productions)

Outstanding Short Form (Animated)

Canvas (Netflix)

Cops and Robbers (Netflix)

Loop (Pixar Animation Studios)

The Power of Hope (The Power Of Hope)

Windup (Unity Technologies)

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)

Loira Limbal – Through the Night (Third Shift Media, Inc.)

Melissa Haizlip – Mr. Soul! (Shoes In The Bed Productions)

Nadia Hallgren – Becoming (A Higher Ground Productions and Big Mouth Productions Film for Netflix)

Radha Blank – The Forty-Year-Old Version (Netflix)

Remi Weekes – His House (Netflix)

DOCUMENTARY

Outstanding Documentary (Film)

All In: The Fight For Democracy (Amazon Studios)

Coded Bias (7th Empire Media)

John Lewis: Good Trouble (Magnolia Pictures/Participant)

Mr. Soul! (Shoes in the Bed Productions)

On the Record (HBO Max)

Outstanding Documentary (Television)

And She Could Be Next (PBS)

Black Love (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (EPIX)

The Last Dance (ESPN / Netflix)

Unsung (TV One)

WRITING

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series

Issa Rae – Insecure – “Lowkey Feelin’ Myself” (HBO)

Lee Eisenberg, Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon – Little America – “The Rock” (Apple TV+)

Michaela Coel – I May Destroy You – “Ego Death” (HBO)

Mindy Kaling, Lang Fisher – Never Have I Ever º “Pilot” (Netflix)

Rajiv Joseph – Little America – “The Manager” (Apple TV+)

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series

Attica Locke – Little Fires Everywhere – “The Spider Web” (Hulu)

Erika L. Johnson, Mark Richard – The Good Lord Bird – “A Wicked Plot” (Showtime)

Jessica Lamour – Little Voice – “Love Hurts” (Apple TV+)

Katori Hall – P-Valley – “Perpetratin’” (Starz)

Tanya Barfield – Mrs. America – “Shirley” (FX)

Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special

Diallo Riddle, Bashir Salahuddin, D. Rodney Carter, Emily Goldwyn, Rob Haze, Zuri Salahuddin, Bennett Webber, Evan Williams, Will Miles – Sherman’s Showcase Black History Month Spectacular (IFC)

Eugene Ashe – Sylvie’s Love (Amazon Studios)

Geri Cole – The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special (HBO Max)

Lin-Manuel Miranda – Hamilton (Disney+)

Sylvia L. Jones, Camille Tucker – The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel (Lifetime)

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture

David E. Talbert – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Kemp Powers – One Night in Miami… (Amazon Studios)

Lee Isaac Chung – Minari (A24)

Pete Docter, Kemp Powers, Mike Jones – Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Radha Blank – The Forty-Year-Old Version (Netflix)

Outstanding Writing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)

Mary Mazzio – A Most Beautiful Thing (Peacock)

Melissa Haizlip – Mr. Soul! (Maysles Documentary Center)

Nile Cone – The Beat Don’t Stop (TV One)

Royal Kennedy Rodgers – Hollywood’s Architect: The Paul R. Williams Story (PBS)

Yoruba Richen, Elia Gasull Balada, Valerie Thomas – The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts the Tonight Show (Peacock)

DIRECTING CATEGORIES

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series

Anya Adams – Black-ish – “Hair Day” (ABC)

Aurora Guerrero – Little America – “The Jaguar” (Apple TV+)

Eric Dean Seaton – Black-ish – “Our Wedding Dre” (ABC)

Kabir Akhtar – Never Have I Ever – “… started a nuclear war” (Netflix)

Sam Miller, Michaela Coel – I May Destroy You – “Ego Death” (HBO)

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series

Cheryl Dunye – Lovecraft Country – “Strange Case” (HBO)

Hanelle Culpepper – Star Trek: Picard – “Remembrance” (CBS All Access)

Misha Green – Lovecraft Country – “Jig-a-Bobo” (HBO)

Nzingha Stewart – Little Fires Everywhere – “The Uncanny” (Hulu)

Steve McQueen – Small Axe – “Mangrove” (Amazon Studios)

Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special

Beyoncé Knowles Carter, Emmanuel Adeji, Blitz Bazawule, Kwasi Fordjour – Black Is King (Disney+)

Christine Swanson – The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel (Lifetime)

Chuck Vinson, Alan Muraoka – The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special (HBO Max)

Eugene Ashe – Sylvie’s Love (Amazon Studios)

Kamilah Forbes – Between The World And Me (HBO)

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture

David E. Talbert – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

George C. Wolfe – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Gina Prince-Bythewood – The Old Guard (Netflix)

Radha Blank – The Forty-Year-Old Version (Netflix)

Regina King – One Night in Miami… (Amazon Studios)

Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)

Keith McQuirter – By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem (EPIX)

Muta’Ali – Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn (HBO)

Sam Pollard, Maro Chermayeff – Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children (Ep. 1 & 2) (HBO)

Simcha Jacobovici – Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (EPIX)

Yoruba Richen – The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts the Tonight Show (Peacock)

The post NAACP Image Award Nominations: Broadway Black Talent Top Contenders appeared first on Broadway Black.

Eclipsed Broadway

In Eclipsed, Lupita Nyong’o stars in a complicated and brilliant story of women living in the midst of war-torn Liberia. Several captive wives define their survival in different ways while locked in the grip of a raging civil war. A young woman comes along and must decide for herself what path she will forge through the chaos. The play, penned by playwright and actress Danai Gurira (known for her role as ‘Michonne’ on the television series, “The Walking Dead”) explores themes of identity and choice in this stunning production. The production will hit Broadway at the John Golden Theatre with previews on February 23 and opens on March 6, 2016.

#BroadwayBlack | Original Cast w/ @Lupita_Nyongo Set for @EclipsedBway, Will Make History https://t.co/gZLxb16kzy pic.twitter.com/SdySfxB4fl

— BROADWAY BLACK! (@BroadwayBlack) December 8, 2015

Head of Passes

Beloved actress and Tony Winner Phylicia Rashad returns to Broadway to star in Head of Passes, a play that speaks to audiences of faith, acceptance and family. Head of Passes will begin previews on March 15, 2016, at the Newman Theater. Opening night is set for March 28.

At the mouth of the Mississippi River, Shelah’s family and friends have come to celebrate her birthday and save her from a leaking roof. But in this contemporary parable inspired by the Book of Job, unexpected events turn the reunion into the ultimate test of faith and love. As her world seems to collapse around her, Shelah must fight to survive the rising flood of life’s greatest challenges.

JUST IN: Phylicia Rashad Will Star in @octarell's Head of Passes @PublicTheaterNY https://t.co/y77h9qgBs7 pic.twitter.com/kqLLjBvkZ0

— BROADWAY BLACK! (@BroadwayBlack) November 11, 2015

Shuffle Along

Shuffle Along is an African-American musical revue with music and lyrics by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake, and a connecting plot about a mayoral race, written by Flournoy Miller and Aubrey Lyles. Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Brandon Victor Dixon, Joshua Henry, and Billy Porter make this a show not to miss! Shuffle Along will begin previews March 15, 2016, and open April 28, 2016 at Music Box Theatre in New York.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUxTDUzHiNg

Whorl Inside A Loop (Broadway)

In Whorl Inside a Loop, a well-regarded actress agrees to teach six inmates how to tell their stories behind the bars of a men’s maximum-security prison. Sharing intimate and sometimes hilarious details of their former lives (while portraying characters of varying age, gender and race), this unlikely group forms a bond—even as the actress’ life outside spins out of control. And when what happens in prison doesn’t stay there, no one is sure whom to trust.

There’s quite a bit of buzz about this show making a Broadway debut in 2016 and we sincerely hope so! Although we’ve reported on the possibility of a Broadway transfer after it’s successful run at Second Stage Theatre, there is no official word about this work heading to Broadway. Stay tuned to Broadway Black for details on when and where to catch this production. (We’re crossing our fingers!)

Hughie

Oscar winner Forest Whitaker will make his Broadway debut in this limited engagement at the Boothe Theatre. Previews begin February 8, 2016, and Opening Night is February 25, 2016.

Summer, 1928. New York City. Beyond the bright lights of the Great White Way, a small-time gambler and big-time drinker returns to the faded hotel he has made his home. He encounters a new night clerk at the front desk and as the early hours of the morning give way to another dawn, he continues to chase the American Dream in order to survive. Hughie is a rarely seen theatrical masterpiece that beautifully investigates the themes of loneliness and redemption and offers a unique insight into the human condition.

Smart People

Kenny Leon directs this humorous offering by Lydia R. Diamond. Previews begin January 26, 2016 at the Tony Kiser Theatre with Opening Night set for February 11, 2016.

The quest for love, achievement and identity is universal, but what role does race play in the story of our lives? On the eve of Obama’s first election, four Harvard intellectuals find themselves entangled in a complex web of social and sexual politics in this provocative and funny new play by Lydia R. Diamond.

https://t.co/GB0rUSz0KC | #MahershalaAli & @TThompsonYES Will Star in Smart People @2STNYC https://t.co/tIgXEblKZ5 pic.twitter.com/HsIAfzi6zw

— BROADWAY BLACK! (@BroadwayBlack) November 2, 2015

The Color Purple

The Color Purple heralds the debut of powerhouse Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson. The show began previews on Nov 10, 2015 and Opened Dec 10, 2015 and is currently running at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.

This unforgettable and intensely moving new production mesmerized audiences when it premiered at London’s acclaimed Menier Chocolate Factory, where critics hailed it as “a revelation” (Mark Shenton, The Stage). Now, this American classic comes to Broadway with a powerhouse cast including celebrated London star Cynthia Erivo, who will recreate her electrifying performance as Celie, along with “Orange is the New Black” star Danielle Brooks.

We would LOVE to know your thoughts about this line up and whether you will be making plans to attend. Tweet us @BroadwayBlack!

The post Broadway Black Approved: The Productions You Should See in Spring 2016 appeared first on Broadway Black.

We have to start by sending a MAJOR congratulations to Broadway Black’s newest sweetheart Shanice Williams, the teen who beat out hundreds of young ladies for the role of a lifetime and made herself a household name with her stunning portrayal as Dorothy in “The Wiz! Live.”  At just 19 years old and in her first major role, Williams has earned a Critics Choice nomination for Actress In A Movie Made For Television or Limited Series.  I can only assume this will be the first of many nominations for the budding star.

“The Wiz! Live” racked up a bevy of nominations for its rating-smashing premiere including Movie Made for TV or Limited Series, a nomination for both veteran David Alan Grier and musical theater newcomer Neyo in the Actor In A Movie Made for Television or Limited Series category, and a surprising (yet much deserved) nomination for Mary J. Blige‘s impressive performance as Evilene.

While Queen Latifah didn’t receive recognition for her portrayal of “The Wiz” in the NBC special, the Queen did garner Golden Globe and SAG nominations for her captivating work in the HBO biopic “Bessie,” based on the true story of jazz legend Bessie Smith.

Another “Wiz” alum, Uzo Aduba also gained SAG and Golden Globe love for her Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series as “Crazy Eyes” in the Netflix phenomenon “Orange is the New Black.”

Black luminaries Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson are going head to head AGAIN as the adorably supportive friends were both awarded Golden Globe and SAG noms for Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series.  Davis leads the poll with a Critics Choice nom as well.

And just in case Hollywood doesn’t get it right (which we know they’re good for), the NAACP Image Awards nominations always make sure that works of color are getting their fair due.  In addition to recognizing “The Wiz! Live,” the awards have also doled out nominations to Misty Copeland (On The Town) for Entertainer of the Year and Julliard Alum Corey Hawkins (Romeo & Juliet) for Best Actor in the critically acclaimed hip-hop film “Straight Outta Compton.”

David Alan Grier racked up NAACP nominations for his work in “The Wiz” as well as his NBC comedy “The Carmichael Show,” alongside his costar Loretta Divine (Dreamgirls) who was also recognized for her work in the sitcom.  Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple) received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her charming portrayal of Taystee on “OITNB.”

Beautiful Broadway ladies are taking over the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture category as Angela Bassett (The Mountaintop) and Jennifer Hudson (The Color Purple) earned nominations for their roles in “Chi-Raq,” while Phylicia Rashad (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) and Tessa Thompson (Smart People) both got noms for the new box-office hit “Creed.”

Broadway Black would like to send a HUGE congratulations to all of the nominees!  We’ll be glued to our screens on awards day providing you with all the glamorous details.  Now, who do YOU want to win?

The post Award Season: The Nominations Are IN! appeared first on Broadway Black.

We previously talked about a run of Head of Passes at Berkeley Repertory Theatre to rave reviews back in May starring Cheryl Lynn Bruce. So, we’re so excited that Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad has signed on and that this new mounting is a co-production with Berkley Rep. Joining her in the cast of the nine person play includes Alana Arenas (Cookie), Francois Battiste (Aubrey), Kyle Beltran (Crier), and J. Bernard Calloway (Spencer). This is something you do not want to miss. The show is being billed as follows:

Tarell Alvin McCraney, MacArthur Award-winning playwright of the acclaimed Brother/Sister Plays, has written a poetic and contemporary parable inspired by the Book of Job. At the mouth of the Mississippi River, Shelah’s family and friends have come to celebrate her birthday and save her from a leaking roof, but unexpected events turn the reunion into the ultimate test of faith and love. As her world seems to collapse around her, Shelah must fight to survive the rising flood of life’s greatest challenges. 

PHYLICIA RASHAD (Shelah) was last seen at The Public in The Story by Tracey Scott Wilson in 2003, as well as in Helen in 2002, and Everybody’s Rudy in 1999. She is a versatile performer who became a household name when she portrayed “Claire Huxtable” on “The Cosby Show,” a character whose appeal has earned numerous honors and awards for over two decades. While television was a catalyst in the rise of Rashad’s career, she has also been a force on the stage, appearing both on and off-Broadway, often in projects that showcase her musical talent such as Jelly’s Last Jam, Into The Woods, Dreamgirls, and The Wiz. As a dramatic actress, Rashad has appeared on Broadway in August Osage County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (also West End), Gem Of The Ocean (Tony nomination), A Raisin in the Sun (Drama Desk and Tony Awards) and Cymbeline. She appeared in Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds, and starred in Perry’s highly acclaimed film version of Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf. She made her directorial debut at the Seattle Repertory Theater with August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean and has directed works at The Ebony Repertory, Kirk Douglas Theatre, Westport County Playhouse, Mark Taper, Longwharf Theatre, and the McCarter Theatre. Rashad has received numerous honorary doctorate degrees and awards for excellence both in theater and television.

The post Phylicia Rashad Will Star In Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Head Of Passes at The Public Theater appeared first on Broadway Black.

It’s almost time to start dreaming of a white Christmas, hanging mistletoe, decking the halls, and jingling those bells. Each year during the holiday season, we’re treated to a feast of music including traditional carols, religious hymns, and pop standards. However, if you’re tired of your favorite artist’s warbling chart-middling rendition of holiday classics, then prepare your ears for the melodic holiday sounds of Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV). The esteemed choir will perform in a holiday concert at Harlem’s First Corinthian Baptist Church on December 14.

This isn’t the BIV’s first foray into holiday music. Last year the choir performed with Grammy Award-winning pop queen Mariah Carey in her Christmas show at the Beacon Theatre. In 2005, the choir released a holiday CD entitled “Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas” for which BIV founder and director Michael McElroy received a Grammy nomination.

Broadway Inspirational Voices is a multi-ethnic, multi-denominational choir ensemble made up of actors and musicians from Broadway and off‐Broadway shows such as Aladdin, Book of Mormon, Cinderella, Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, The Lion King, Motown: The Musical, Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked. The BIV’s mission is “strengthening and unifying the New York community through the transcendent power of music. “

The choir was founded in 1994 by Tony nominee, actor, singer, and director McElroy and became the place where he could express his unique arrangements of known and unknown songs in and out of the American gospel and theatre songbooks. Tony Award‐winning actress and singer Phylicia Rashad serves as board president for the choir.

BIV sing Joy To The World from Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas

The BIV’s holiday concert will feature holiday classics as well as new music written and/or arranged by McElroy and music director Joseph Joubert.

Tickets for the BIV holiday concert go on sale November 1. For more information, visit here.

#SaveTheDate for our @BIVoices Holiday Concert, 12/14 @FCBC_NYC! pic.twitter.com/I1yatmhdfv

— Broadway Insp Voices (@BIVoices) October 19, 2015

The post Broadway Inspirational Voices to Perform Holiday Concert appeared first on Broadway Black.

Theater greats including Phylicia Rashad, Melba Moore, Marva Hicks, George Faison, and Chita Rivera all participated in the exclusive event purposed to honor the life and works of Johnson as well as raise money for the full-length feature documenting his career, also entitled Up In The Air.

Most renowned for his choreography in the timeless film, The Wiz, Johnson was one of the first African Americans to appear in a Broadway ensemble.  Having been featured and learning from some of the dance greats, including Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins, Johnson began creating his own art in the 1950’s.  In addition to commissioning some of his most notable works for the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, he also received a Tony Award nomination for his choreography in the 1970 musical Purlie. 

The evening was hosted by the regal Ms. Rashad and proved to be a glorious exhibition of Johnson’s contributions.  The Philadelphia Dance Company and Howard University’s department of dance restaged some of Johnson’s well known choreographed pieces.  Moore, an original cast member of Purlie, and Hicks, a former Howard University student of the tribute, both provided vocal selections in his honor.

The man behind the documentary- choreographer/writer/teacher and Up In The Air producer, David Robertson, provided one of the most thrilling pieces of the evening – a revival of the infamous Emerald city scene from “The Wiz” complete with special appearances of original dancers from the film.

Having been inspired by Johnson, Robertson has spent the last few years interviewing the sensation and building this tribute in hopes of creating a “lasting testament to his creative genius that will inspire future generations of artists.”

For more information and to contribute to Up In The Air, visit UpInTheAirDoc.com.

The post Theater Royalty Gather To Celebrate Louis Johnson appeared first on Broadway Black.

Summers, who’s best known for creating and producing Off-Broadway’s From My Hometown: A Rag To Riches Celebration of the American Dream In Classic Rhythm & Blues, made his Broadway debut in the original production of Dreamgirls. Since then, he has appeared Off-Broadway in Miss Marguarita’s Way with Estelle Parsons, as an original cast member of From My Hometown, in the musical Little Ham, as well as in numerous cabaret and regional performances.

As a director, Summers has directed shows in venues ranging from New York’s Urban Stages, AMAS Musical Theatre, New World Stages, The Triad Theatre, Flushing Town Hall, Theatreworks in Palo Alto, CA, The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre and many more.

A Raisin in the Sun, written by Lorraine Hansberry, was the first play written by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway, where it won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play. The American classic takes place in the late 1950’s on Chicago’s South Side, and revolves around the dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son “Walter Lee,” his wife “Ruth,” his sister “Beneatha,” his son “Travis,” and family matriarch “Lena,” called “Mama.”

The Harlem Repertory Theatre is a professional theatre company based in the heart of Harlem in New York City, founded by Keith Lee Grant. The Harlem Repertory Theatre will run the play every Friday at 7pm until December 11th. The theatre’s resident acting company includes Mario C. Brown, Kyria Geneva, Mabel Gomez, Roberto A. Guzman Jr., Jarrid Jones, Bianca Madison, Derrick Montalvo, Eric “Le Roy” Myles, and Joe Sabateur.

For information on tickets and directions, visit www.harlemrepertorytheatre.com.

The first Broadway revival of the play ran at the Royale Theatre from April 26, 2004 to July 11, 2004. The cast included Sean Combs as “Walter Lee,” Phylicia Rashad as “Lena,” Audra McDonald as “Ruth,” and Sanaa Lathan as “Beneatha.” It was directed by Kenny Leon and received two Tony awards: Best Actress in a Play (Rashad) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (McDonald).

A second revival ran ten years later from April 3, 2014 to June 15, 2014 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre with Denzel Washington in the lead role of “Walter Lee.” Other cast members included Sophie Okonedo as “Ruth,” LaTanya Richardson Jackson as “Lena,” and Anika Noni Rose as “Beneatha.” Leon again directed and the play won three 2014 Tony Awards: Best Revival of a Play, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Okonedo) and Best Direction of a Play (Leon).

The post A Raisin in the Sun at Harlem Repertory Theatre appeared first on Broadway Black.

Sound familiar?

Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical is inspired by American civil rights history that involved the Little Rock Nine – nine teenagers who were enrolled at Little Rock Central High School in 1957 following the U.S. Supreme Court decision for desegregation of schools.

Created by Douglas Lyons (Five Points: An American Musical), who serves as lyricist and co-composer with Greg Borowsky, the musical will have its first private industry reading Aug. 28 with an all-star cast. Brittney Johnson (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) and Talia Thiesfield (HBO’s “Veep”, LMNOP) are “Lily Polkadot” and mean girl “Penelope Square”, respectively. Gerard Canonico (American Idiot: The Musical, Spring Awakening) portrays “Sky Square”, and Sara King (Hair) plays “Ms. Square”/”Mama Square”.

The readings will be directed by Amy Anders Corcoran, with musical direction by Madeline Smith as Ethan Pakchar contributes on guitar.

“I fear America’s history is repeating itself,” explained Lyons on the importance of the story in the midst of a post-racial society. “Hate is unfortunately still an issue in our nation. Instead of using violence to fight back, I’ve chosen to transform my anger into art.”

Lyons’ anger is not solely felt. He, along with many others, sensed it in the Ferguson Riots. It welled up from the Oklahoma Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity racist chant. It was sparked with the murder of Trayvon Martin by the overzealous neighborhood watchman, George Zimmerman. It also boiled over from Indiana’s “anti-gay” bill.

Texas sports anchor Dale Hansen felt the need to speak out against racist signs held up by young fans at a local high school basketball game that when placed together read WHITE POWER. He said, “Kids have to be taught hate. And it’s our parents and grandparents, our teachers and coaches, too, who teach us to hate. Kids become the product of that environment.”

In July via the Polkadots Facebook page, a post of an interview by Maria Hinojosa with Phylicia Rashad (forever in America’s hearts as “best mom ever” Clair Huxtable of “The Cosby Show”) was shared as another basis of inspiration for the show. During the interview, Rashad talked about her environment growing up in Houston, TX, and seeing segregated water fountains for the first time.

While at a grocery store she read the signs about the two water fountains: COLORED and WHITES ONLY. The curious young Rashad decided she would taste the water from the “Whites Only” fountain. When she did, she discovered the water tasted no different from the “Colored” fountain. Rashad said she realized in that moment what she would later be able to articulate, that “humanity had tricked itself into refusing to accept itself in its fullest.”

This truth is undoubtedly what the character, Sky, comes to understand. The shy Square boy, who is curious about the new girl’s unique skin, develops a friendship with Lily that provides her hope and rocks the foundation of Rockaway Elementary. Polkadots is described “as a colorful history lesson for children, reminding them that our individual differences make us awesome, not outcasts.”

“My true mission for Polkadots is that it will become a colorful history lesson for the next generation, instilling great core values in youth and reminding them that we must never go back to the ugly parts of our humanity,”stated Lyons, who can currently be seen in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. “If children have never heard of the Little Rock Nine or the Jim Crow laws, they won’t know that America’s ‘progress’ is slipping backwards.”

And that is what theatre is about folks. As Thorton Wilder, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright/novelist said: “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”

The 55-minute show will be easily produceable and hit on key themes for youth. When being the “cool kid” is a pressure-filled dilemma for adolescents, it’s great to have theatre geared for youth that sets the stage for learning the best of humanity.

“Let’s educate them with sprinkles on top!” Lyons said.

Check out Salina Giardino’s fun illustrations that capture the “cool” of the Polkadots characters on the musical’s Facebook page. Follow Lyons at @DouglasSings.

Now for a brief history lesson of Little Rock Nine:

• 1954: The U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in the historic Brown v. Board of Education, declaring all laws establishing segregated schools to be unconstitutional and calling for the desegregation of all schools throughout the nation. The NAACP began registering Black students in all-white schools in cities throughout the South.
• 1955: The Little Rock Board of Education adopted the plan of Superintendent Virgil Blossom (known as The Blossom Plan), outlining an integration timeline that started with Central High School first after opposition by elementary school parents as well as allowing for a transfer system.
• 1956: The NAACP filed a lawsuit against The Blossom Plan which placed a Black majority at Horace Mann High (even if Black students lived closer to Central) and a White majority at Hall High. White students would be allowed to transfer from Horace Mann, but Black students didn’t have the option to attend Hall.
• 1957: Selected on the criteria of excellent grades and attendance, nine Black students were registered at the all-White Little Rock Central High. Nicknamed “Little Rock Nine” they were: Ernest Green (b. 1941); Elizabeth Eckford (b. 1941);  Jefferson Thomas (1942–2010); Terrence Roberts (b. 1941);  Carlotta Walls LaNier (b. 1942); Minnijean Brown (b. 1941); Gloria Ray Karlmark (b. 1942); Thelma Mothershed (b. 1940); and Melba Pattillo Beals (b. 1941).
• Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus denied the Little Rock Nine access to Central High when they arrived Sept. 3, having the National Guard posted at the entrance – beginning what would be called the Little Rock Crisis. Faubus defied a Sept. 20 court order to remove the National Guard.
• Sept. 23 the Little Rock Nine returned to Central High after Little Rock Mayor Woodrow Wilson Mann requested President Dwight Eisenhower to send federal troops (Eisenhower dispatched nearly 1,000 paratroopers and federalized the 10,000 Arkansas National Guard troops). The 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army escorted the students into the building and units remained at the school for the rest of the academic year to guarantee the Little Rock Nine’s safety.
• 1958: Blossom was removed from office when most of the Little Rock Board of Education resigned. The Little Rock School District under the Faubus’ leadership (Cooper v. Aaron) fought for a two-and-a-half year delay on de-segregation arguing that if the schools remained integrated there would be an increase in violence. The Federal Courts ruled against the delay. Faubus and the school districts closed all public high schools and sought to initiate separate private schools.
• The schools reopened in 1959 after the “Lost Year.”

The post Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical Inspired By Little Rock Nine appeared first on Broadway Black.