In honor of Black History Month, we turn our attention to the theatre — celebrating Black Broadway trailblazers from performers to playwrights - and their impact on modern American art.
Album Now Available for Purchase
The Color Purple is an unforgettable story of enduring love and triumph over adversity. With a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, this stirring family chronicle follows the inspirational Celie, as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life.
New cast album features Jennifer Hudson, Cynthia Erivo, and Danielle Brooks.
THIS SPECIAL TWO-DISC SET IS PRINTED ON PURPLE VINYL
Empowering change and Black voices, today and every day. Broadway Podcast Network is proud to amplify the voices of those who are creating art and working to build a better, more inclusive future—not just because this is Black History Month, but also because change is happening all around us and Black history is now.
Hosted by Broadway's Salisha Thomas
Salisha Thomas reunites some of her favorite Broadway sisters, some of which have etched their very own names in the Broadway history books! Get ready for BLACK HAIR IN THE BIG LEAGUES: Black Girl Magic! WATCH HERE!
Starring the late Cicely Tyson. Elderly Mrs. Watts is forbidden to travel alone by her overprotective son. Undeterred, she escapes to a bus station and begins a journey to her hometown. Adapted from Horton Foote's Tony-nominated play.
Now streaming on NETFLIX
Tensions and temperatures rise at a Chicago music studio in 1927 when fiery, fearless blues singer Ma Rainey joins her band for a recording session. Starring:Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, and Glynn Turman. Adapted from a play by August Wilson.
Filmed before a live audience at Cafe Brasil in New Orleans, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill features six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald in her history-making, tour de force performance as the jazz icon.
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Starring Leslie Odom Jr., Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, & Aldis Hodge. Directed by Regina King.
One Night in Miami is a fictional account of one incredible night where icons Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown gathered discussing their roles in the civil rights movement and cultural upheaval of the 1960s.
A LIVE event production of the groundbreaking Broadway show that brought Oz to life in a funky sing-along journey down the yellow brick road.
Starring Denzel Washington & Viola Davis. Adapted from the play by August Wilson
Now working as a garbage collector in 1950s Pittsburgh, a former baseball star creates tension in his family when he squashes his son's chance to meet a college football recruiter.
Starring Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, & Eddie Murphy
With stunning performances by a star-studded cast, Dreamgirls is the story of three singers who learn anything is possible when you fight for your dreams.
George Gershwin miraculously melded classical idioms, jazz, blues, and spirituals in this American masterpiece about a beggar, the headstrong woman he loves, and the community that sustains them both.
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Capturing the Beauty & Struggles of Black Americans
John Simmons began taking photographs as a teenager in 1965, the same year the Voting Rights Act was passed, guaranteeing all Black Americans the right to vote.
His current exhibition, "Capturing Beauty," assembles photos and artworks featuring notable figures in the civil rights movement and more everyday moments of life.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021 AT 4PM PT
An Evening of Hope, Inspiration, & Community
Please join us & Hamilton in celebrating Black History Month and the launch of @Ham4Progress at The Joy In Our Voices, featuring members of the companies of Hamilton performing original pieces and special appearances by Lin-Manuel Miranda, poet and activist Amanda Gorman, Georgia Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, and CBS’ Gayle King.
Presented by The Robey Theatre Company • Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 2:00pm PT
The Robey Theatre Company’s online reading of Othello will feature Ben Guillory in the title role. Ben Guillory is the Producing Artistic Director and Co-Founder (with Danny Glover) of The Robey Theatre Company. He is also an actor, with critically acclaimed performances in The River Niger, Knock Me a Kiss, Permanent Collection and more.
Virtual Event • Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 4:30pm PT
August 20, 2019 represents the 400-year anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arriving on the shores of this nation. Told through the eyes of three modern characters and a series of performance pieces, this multi-disciplinary theater experience will leave audiences both inspired and challenged about the progress of America’s African sons and daughters.
Presented by South Chicago Dance Theatre • Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 5pm PT
The South Chicago Dance Theatre's annual Black History Month Performance series expands to a 40 minute main stage concert in February 2021! Part A is a tribute to the Martin Luther King "I Have A Dream" speech and is intertwined with negro spirituals by artists such as Harry Belafonte and Bernice Johnson Reagon. Part B celebrates the history of Black innovation in jazz music and dance!
Now Streaming through February 28
Legendary Saxophonist Bill Saxton, straight out of Harlem's Bill's Place Jazz Club, continues to deliver endless Jazz with his Harlem All-Stars for over 16 years to audiences around the world.
Story by Caitlin Moynihan for Broadway.com • February 3, 2021
In honor of Black History Month, Broadway.com is once again inviting Broadway artists to celebrate the Black theatermakers who inspire them. Stars are taking this chance to honor their friends, mentors, co-stars and idols for this year's edition. Continue reading to hear about the theatrical experience that changed everything for actor Jelani Alladin.
Stamps Now Available for Purchase
The 44th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors playwright August Wilson (1945-2005), who brought fresh perspectives and previously unheard voices to the American stage. This stamp features an oil painting of Wilson based on a 2005 photograph. Behind Wilson, a picket fence alludes to the title of Fences, one of his best known plays. #AugustWilsonForever #BlackHeritageStamps
Story by Eric King for Broadway.com • February 19, 2019
February is Black History Month, and Broadway.com is spotlighting some of the contributions black artists have made to Broadway. Here are the power players, major events and groundbreaking shows.
