Hamilton 

What is a best of 2015 list without Hamilton? Not a list at all. The hip-hop musical about America’s most controversial founding father with its diverse cast and #hamiltunes that will be stuck in your head forever earns its prized spot on the list. Any show capable of selling out for over a year is a winner in my book. #HamilTonys

Invisible Thread 

Did I mention I saw this show four times? I’m not kidding. The only reason it wasn’t more is because I’m not rich and I went home for Christmas break. The show that tells the story of one man’s incredible journey of self and the people’s lives he impacts was a no-brainer on my list. The dancing, the acting, and the singing is enough to bring you in and take you to new places. #Belamusana

The Color Purple 

Of course, The Color Purple was going to make this list. Cynthia Erivo, Danielle Brooks and Jennifer Hudson make their Broadway debuts and they enter with a big ol’ splash. The simplistic styling of this musical requires the actors to give their all and bare it on the stage, which they do every night. I see Tonys in their future.

Whorl Inside A Loop 

No wonder it’s going to Broadway!  It’s that darn good. Second Stage is doing some pretty awesome things over there on 43rd Street, if this show is any indication. It tells the story of an actress teaching prisoners how to tell and act out their personal stories. This show definitely tugged at my heartstrings and now, hopefully, many more will be able to witness its brilliance.

The Gin Game 

Legendary. James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson sharing the stage again was one of the most amazing moments of 2015. Being able to just be in that room and watch these masters grace the stage effortlessly was a big deal. Black don’t crack, and neither does our ability to memorize scripts and get out there and be amazing eight nights a week.

Barbecue 

The Public Theater also has some hits on their hands. Barbecue centered around family, addiction, and making difficult choices. Written by Obie Award Winning Playwright Robert O’Hara, the play was full of twists and turns that left audiences gasping and guessing about what was going to happen next.

Paradise Blue

Our girl Dominique Morisseau came through. The production is directed by the always amazing Ruben Santiago-Hudson and stars Tony Award-nominee De’Adre Aziza (Passing Strange), Golden Globe-nominee Blair Underwood (A Street Car Named Desire), and Andre Holland. This show, which is the first in a trilogy, made waves at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Like Morisseau herself, I doubt it’s the last you’ll hear about it.

An Octoroon 

An Octoroon (the term “Octoroon” is a person who is one-eighth Black) is all about race in the United States. The brilliant show written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins got its start at Soho Rep and uses satire to get at the United States’ horrible legacy of slavery. Incorporating Black face, red face and everything in between, this show took it there unapologetically. An Octoroon can make an entire audience uncomfortable and force them to face the harsh realities of this “great” nation all in one. After all, art is an imitation of life, right?

Amazing Grace

Gone too soon. The song I sang as a child suddenly held more weight when I finally was able to see this show in the summer. Beautifully and thoroughly executed, Amazing Grace was a gracious piece of theatre that wasn’t afraid to go there. While it may have left Broadway, the cast recording will be enough to keep me going.

Eclipsed 

This is another one that moved from Off-Broadway because of its stellar cast and amazing story. Danai Gurira is genius. Set during the Liberian Civil War, Eclipsed tells the stories of the captive wives of a rebel officer who band together to form a fragile community—until the balance of their lives is upset by the arrival of a new girl. Heartfelt, funny, and mesmerizing are just a few adjectives to describe how great of a show this is.

Special Mention: The Wiz Live!

How could I make a list without The Wiz Live! on it? This show and all of its #melaninmagic captivated audiences everywhere. The old classic story of The Wiz with a modern twist appealed to audiences young and old, and brought together an entire community on Dec. 3rd. That night also made us realize Shanice Williams was going places, Stephanie Mills has still got it, David Alan Grier has some serious pipes, Uzo Aduba and Queen Latifah can do no wrong, Amber Riley was underappreciated on Glee, and “conversate” is an actual word.

Thats our list, what did you see that you put on your list? Sound off in the comments below and check out in-depth information on all of these shows on our site!

The post And The Winner Is…Broadway Black Top 10 of 2015 appeared first on Broadway Black.

Yes, my heart just stopped too. 

We’re talking 1990s Los Angeles. 

FILA. Bucket hats. And bright colors.

Street dancers. Pac. And box braids.

But most importantly the raw, authentic choreography of Fatima Robinson.

Right now the show is untitled and in the early stages of development, but what we do know is we’re in for a treat as we travel back in time to see the birth of hip-hop dance. 

Robinson is what we like to call a “heavyweight” in the industry. Revered as “one of the most sought-after hip-hop and popular music choreographers in the world” by the New York Times, she has worked with Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Leona Lewis, Sade, Prince, Rihanna, Cheryl Cole, Snoop, and  Mary J. Blige.

She was the mastermind behind the 2011 Super Bowl Halftime show with the Black Eyed Peas, 2012 Coachella Tupac Hologram, and HBO Inauguration event for President Barack Obama. Robinson made history as the second Black woman to choreograph the Oscars in 2007 and 2009. As if  that wasn’t enough WERK to fill a career, her film choreography includes the mega hit Dreamgirls, as well as Sparkle, Charlie Wilson’s War, American Gangster, Public Enemy, Ali, and Confessions of a Shopaholic.

I think NBC has struck gold yet again. The Robinson-Meron-Zadan team has worked so well in the past— The Oscars, The Wiz Live!, and well, let’s hope the third time proves to be a charm.

The post Close Up: Fatima Robinson Dance Drama Coming to NBC 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.

On the Ryan Gosling hosted December 5th episode, the scarecrow of West Oz (played hilariously by Gosling) gets lost and accidentally runs into the crew of East Oz, including Leslie Jones as  The Wiz, Kenan Thompson as cowardly Lion, Michael Che as Scarecrow No. 1, Jay Pharoah as the Tin Man and Sasheer Zamata as Dorothy. There’s a hilarious bit in which Gosling’s scarecrow starts to dance and Thompson’s lion remarks “East Oz ain’t for you.” The West Oz scarecrow replies, “I didn’t think it would be, but now that I’m here it’s really great. There’s so much color!” As he gets yelled at by the East Oz crew he clarifies. “No, no. I just meant in the world. There’s a lot of heart and soul here. It’s much better than where I’m from.” Nice coverup, because I can’t deny him that. It’s true; The Wiz does have a lot more soul.

I must admit, I am impressed with SNL’s ability to pull this off so quickly. Especially given the Live! telecast aired that Thursday, it seemed the cast had great knowledge of the show. The set was awesome, the costumes were particularly impressive and the impressions, as usual, were spot on (Thompson’s Cowardly Lion had a lip quiver that was A+).

This got me to thinking, though: when is the last time a Broadway Black actor hosted SNL? According to my research it’s been a while; however, I’m holding out hope that one day Leslie Odom Jr. gets to do it. I mean remember his hilarious “Got Milk?” spoof? That’s got to be worth something right?

Check out the SNL clip below. They even end it with a Dab!

The post Saturday Night Live Spoofs The Wiz Live! appeared first on Broadway Black.

Suddenly, the Human Jukebox members snap to attention and the band rushes the field in precise lines with the fall sun glinting off of the metallic instruments. Children whisper excitedly, “I wonder what they are going to do?” The moment is expanded to the very edges of anticipation. The band begins to play while simultaneously creating dazzling geometric designs on the field. The crowd begins to cheer and suddenly a familiar refrain drifts through the air. “Can you feel a brand new day? Can you feel a brand new day?” The band has formed itself into words that spell out THE WIZ!! (#TheWiz section starts at the 2 minute mark)

It is a magical moment, a sweet embrace of the wonderful things that tie our community of color together. The cacophony of sound celebrates the excitement of the reboot of a classic. It is these indescribable moments that make the Black community so special. The collision of massive talent, the swagger that makes all that we touch have flash and flare. The rhythm and the beat that strengthens our bond because we know every time we get together, it’s going to be a sho nuff good time! And no matter what collective evils attempt to prevail, this community, our community unique and lively and beautiful will always reflect the light that is in us back to the world. Can you feel a brand new day? 

Tune in to The Wiz Live! on NBC December 3rd!

The post Southern University Human Jukebox Has Us Feeling A Brand New Day! appeared first on Broadway Black.

We are less than TWO WEEKS away from the musical television event of the SEASON and, of course, you know Broadway Black has all the breaking news right here!

In case you’ve been living under a rock, NBC released two new promos for The Wiz Live! last week featuring a wizardly Queen Latifah and a deliciously wicked Mary J. Blige.

Now, obviously, we’re all anticipating the performances, but can we talk for a second about these COSTUMES?!?!  The whole time Evilene was screaming about water, all I could focus on was Paul Tazewell’s brilliantly glimmering headpiece and fascinatingly wired corset.  Even in the promo shots, I was dazed by the monochromatic stylings given to each one of Oz’s mythical characters.  I’m always mesmerized by the details.  Ok…back to business!

In the new television commercial, we get to hear a clip of Evilene belting the gospel show-stopper “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News,” proving to the naysayers that R&B diva Blige is definitely ready to take on this iconic Broadway role.  The Queen herself (Latifah that is) brings her familiar regality to the role of the Wizard as she advises the bewildered foursome on how to proceed.

“There was no other name talked about,” director Kenny Leon professed at the Wiz Live! press event.  “Queen Latifah was the only choice for ‘The Wiz.'”

Broadway Black attended the press event last week and chatted with the cast and creative team about costumes, casting and choreography.

“We’ve incorporated the Nae Nae, we’re hitting the Quan, every current dance out today we’re using it,” touted choreographer, Fatima Robinson.

While I’m not sure George Faison would have approved of the “Nae Nae” in his original works, I just remind myself that Robinson was the soulful choreographer behind the Oscar-nominated film adaptation of “Dreamgirls” and (most of) my faith is restored.

So, get your tickets to the Broadway Black Exclusive #TheWizLive Watch Party  on Dec. 3, and we can all see what happens together!

In the words of the newest Dorothy, Shanice Williams, “You ain’t ready for it.”

The post NBC Releases New Promos as The Wiz Live! Prepares for Premiere 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.

The post Broadway Black Exclusive #TheWiz Live Watch Party 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.

This year is the 40th Anniversary of The Wiz and we are so thankful that NBC has been showing respect in so many great ways. The newest of ways is in the People.com web exlcusive. You’ll see Stephanie Mills & Shanice Williams along with Broadway musical director Zane Mark. As Mark plays the piano, the two amazing talents duet and sing “Home” with such ease and grace it will blow your mind. We also love that a “Sing, Shanice!” was thrown in there because we were saying the same thing on our end. This is just a piece of heaven.

Stephanie Mills, who was the original Dorothy in the Broadway production of The Wiz in 1975 and for the revival in 1984, will play Aunt Em in NBC’s live production of the musical December 3.

Watch Mills & Williams sing “Home” from The Wiz in intimate performance below. 

The post When Dorothy Meets Dorothy: Stephanie Mills & Shanice Williams Duet “Home” From The Wiz appeared first on Broadway Black.