5 Black Actresses on Broadway You'll Want To Follow
As Black Lives Matter protests surge around the world, we are reminded that Broadway has long been inaccessible to the Black community.
According to a recent study by Actor’s Equity Association, the theatrical union for actors and stage managers, only 4,356 (8.4%) of all members identify as Black.
With the statistics leaning against them, these 5 actresses defied all odds…
Follow their journeys as they continue to make history on Broadway.
1. Brittney Johnson
On January 10, 2019, Brittney Johnson made history as the first person of color to play Glinda in Wicked on Broadway. She had already made Broadway history in 2015 as a cast member in Les Misérables - as the first Black woman to play both Eponine and Fantine, and as the first woman to play both in the same day. Other Broadway credits include: Motown, Sunset Boulevard, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
2. Aisha Jackson
In March of 2018, when Aisha Jackson stepped in for OBC member Patti Murin, she became the first Black actress to portray Anna in Frozen on Broadway. Other Broadway credits include: Waitress, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
3. Christiani Pitts
Christiani Pitts became the first woman of color to play King Kong’s Ann Darrow. Other Broadway credits include: A Bronx Tale.
4. Nicolette Robinson
Nicolette Robinson made history as the first woman of color to play Jenna in Waitress on Broadway. Off-Broadway credits include Invisible Thread (Second Stage) and Brooklynite (Vineyard). Regionally, she's appeared in Witness Uganda (A.R.T.) and A Little More Alive (Barrington Stage).
5. Adrienne Warren
Adrienne Warren is a Tony and Olivier Award-nominated actress, best known for originating the role of Tina Turner in the Broadway musical, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Other Broadway credits include: Shuffle Along, and Bring It On. Adrienne is also the co-founder of The Broadway Advocacy Coalition, a group created by theater producers and actors to promote the use of the arts for social change.
Follow their journeys as they continue to make history on Broadway.