The term “Great White Way” is a nickname for a stretch of Broadway in Manhattan that houses the theater district and is illuminated by lots of white lights, but back in the day the term could have easily been used to mark the practice that left blacks out of the coveted Broadway scene.

Stereotypes say that blacks don’t go to the theater all that much, but that antiquated notion is being put to rest thanks to stand-out performances by some of the most talented thespians in the industry. With productions such as A Raisin in the Sun and outstanding performances by accomplished actors, blacks are more frequently including theater in their entertainment options. Check out these performers who are doing it big and adding some color to the Great White Way.


Previously on Broadway

Sanaa Lathan is one of the most successful black actresses in Hollywood, not only because of her incredible beauty, but also because of her panache for getting audiences to really feel her, regardless of the role she’s playing. As Beneatha Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, Sanaa is a strong-willed woman determined to pursue her dreams in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement. Her intense character portrayal earned her a Tony nomination for best actress. The production has ended, but you can catch Sanaa in the upcoming Fox animated series, The Cleveland Show where she’ll play the voice of Donna.

Whether you call him Puffy, Puff Daddy or P Diddy, media mogul Sean Combs has caused quite a stir on Broadway. He played the character Walter Lee Younger in the acclaimed A Raisin in the Sun, and Combs had some big shoes to fill as legendary thespian Sydney Poitier originated the role on Broadway in 1959 and in the movie in 1961. Critics predicted that it would be hard for audiences to separate the money-flashing, all-night-parting Combs from the poor, struggling character he played who had big dreams but not much else. Not only did multi-talented Combs pull off the feat, but critics gave him props for stepping into a tough role and holding his own along side veteran stage actors. We can’t wait to see what Puffy, Diddy or Combs does next.

What black woman doesn’t love her some Terrence Howard? The Academy Award nominated actor stars in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof as Brick, an ex-football star struggling with the death of his close friend and using alcohol to cope. Howard, who had never acted on stage before taking the role, has a reputation for bringing to life characters from any spectrum whether serious or silly. His work in Roof has welcomed great reviews, but are we really surprised? Howard’s upcoming roles will be in the films Iron Man and Fighting.

We loved Anika Noni Rose in the supporting role of Lorrell in the film Dreamgirls, but she is definitely the darling of the stage as Maggie the Cat in the stage play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Audiences and critics alike love Rose, with the New York Times saying she “runs the show.” Rose already has one Tony Award for her role in Caroline or Change, as well as a slew of other honors for her acting chops on stage. Besides her work on stage, she is currently starring in the BBC series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.

de’Adre Aziza is making a name for herself on and off the Broadway stage. While she’s not a household name just yet, she was recently nominated for a Tony Award for her roles as Edwina Williams, Marianna and Sudabey in the Broadway musical, Passing Strange. As a teen, Aziza had no plans on becoming a professional actress; she wanted to be a doctor instead. After studying theater in college, she was hooked and the rest is history. Up next for this Broadway beauty is the Spike Lee directed film, Miracle at St. Anna.

Currently on Broadway

You may not recognize her name, but soap opera fans know Renee Elise Goldsberry as Evangeline Williamson on One Life to Live. Outside of daytime drama, Goldsberry has quickly and quietly become one of the stand-out theater actresses of our time. She currently plays the role of Mimi in Rent, but theater-goes may know her best for originating the role of Nettie in the Tony nominated production of The Color Purple. Goldsberry is no stranger to working on Broadway. She also starred as Nala in The Lion King, a role for which she received rave reviews. Rent is currently on tour in the U.S. To find out when the production comes to your city, log on to www.siteforrent.com/tourschedule.  The Broadway show closes this Sunday, September 7th, so get your tickets now!

You may not recognize his name, but Chester Gregory is no stranger to performing in front of thousands of discerning audiences. Gregory has been entertaining theater-goers for years with roles in The Jackie Wilson Story, Tarzan, Hairspray and Cry-Baby. His stock continues to rise with his current role as Donkey in Shrek the Musical on Broadway. In addition to his stage work, Gregory has also recently released his first solo album, In Search of High Love. With so much talent, we’re sure to see even more of this fresh face on and off Broadway.

Brenda Braxton gets a kick out of seeing the reaction of theater patrons when she takes the stage singing “All That Jazz” in the Broadway hit Chicago. She knows most people don’t expect to see a black woman in the lead role of Velma Kelly. Black or not, Braxton knows how to command a stage as evidenced in her Tony-nominated work in Smokey Joe’s Café. Braxton doesn’t just cut up on stage either. She has also served as the director and choreographer of the Broadway stage play Dreamgirls.

Having a role in one of the most celebrated Broadway productions in decades is a definite boost to the career of Nathaniel Stampley who plays Mufasa in The Lion King. The 33-year-old Milwaukee native inherited the performance bug from his mother who’s a singer and musician. Stampley made his Broadway debut in Oprah Winfrey’s production of The Color Purple where he played Buster, Sophia’s boyfriend, but it’s The Lion King that will always hold a special place in his heart. Stampley met his wife, dancer Lanette Costas, while playing Mufasa.

Kissy Simmons was a college track star and successful model before transitioning to the world of theater, but once she became a thespian, there was no stopping her star from rising all the way to the Great White Way. Simmons plays Nala in The Lion King which is a familiar role for the actress. Before being called to Broadway, Simmons was in the production’s national tour where she received great reviews. Prior to joining King, the actress had only a short list of notable acting credits from her work in the Tampa Bay area; nevertheless, her performance has the theater world buzzing, and she’s one talent to keep your eye on.

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