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Brenda Braxton

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BIO

Brenda starred as Velma Kelly opposite Usher in Broadway's hit musical Chicago. Prior to that, she was featured on Broadway in the musical revue Smokey Joe's Cafe, that earned her a 1995 Tony Award nomination, the NAACP Theater Award, the city of Chicago's Jefferson Award and a Grammy Award for Best Cast Album. Other Broadway credits include Jelly's Last Jam, Cats, Legs Diamond and the original production of Dreamgirls. She received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 'Living the Dream' Award given by New York Gov. George Pataki and the Josephine Baker Award from the National Council of Negro Women for her work as founder of Leading Ladies Just for Teens, seminars geared to empowering teenage girls.In November 2006, she launched BBRAXTON; Exceptional Grooming for Exceptional Men, an upscale men's grooming salon in Harlem. The first salon of its kind, BBRAXTON offers men's grooming services for the discriminating customer.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Caesar and Cleopatra Caesar and Cleopatra
[Off-Broadway]
Gingold Theatre Group Off-Broadway Production, 2019
Ftatateeta
Grumpy Old Men Grumpy Old Men
[Regional (US)]
US Premiere, 2018
Sandra Snyder
Cougar the Musical Cougar the Musical
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2012
Clarity [Replacement]
Clarity [Replacement]
Love, Loss, and What I Wore Love, Loss, and What I Wore
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]
House of Flowers
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2003
Gladiola
Little Ham
[Off-Broadway]
2002
Performer
Chicago Chicago
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Velma Kelly [Replacement]
Velma Kelly [Replacement]
Velma Kelly [Replacement]
Velma Kelly [Replacement]
Velma Kelly [Replacement]
Velma Kelly [Replacement]
Smokey Joe's Cafe
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1995
Performer
Jelly's Last Jam
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1992
Ensemble/Other Roles
Too-Tight Nora
One of "The Crowd"
Legs Diamond
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Madge
Dreamgirls
[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1987
Performer (Swing)
One of "The Sweethearts" (Understudy)
Lorrell Robinson (Understudy)
Joanne (Understudy)
Edna Burke (Understudy)
Charlene (Understudy)
Cats
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Demeter [Replacement]
Dreamgirls
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
One of "Les Style" [Replacement]
Charlene [Replacement]
Performer (Swing)
Reggae
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Alternate
But Never Jam Today
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Mushroom
Mushrooms

Productions

Dreamgirls
 
[US Tour, 2004]
Choreographer
Dreamgirls
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Choreographer
Director
Dreamgirls
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Dance Captain
Dreamgirls
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Dance Captain
Lena Horne: "The Lady and Her Music"
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Production Assistant

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Alan Alda, Glengarry Glen Ross

Helen Hayes Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Brenda BraxtonChicago

Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Brenda Braxton , Smokey Joe's Cafe

Videos

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News


New Light Theater Project to Present MYSTIC CONVERSATIONS at Theatre Row Photo
New Light Theater Project to Present MYSTIC CONVERSATIONS at Theatre Row
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2025

With 'Mystic Conversations,' a play based on real events, playwright Julia Barry Bell hopes to spark discussions on faith, family, and the need for understanding the phenomenon of psychic children. Performances are set at Theatre Row. Learn more!
Photos: On the Red Carpet for Opening Night of BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Photo
Photos: On the Red Carpet for Opening Night of BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 24, 2025

Check out photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals for Buena Vista Social Club, which included special guests Lin-Manuel Miranda, Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo, Ariana DeBose, Sara Bareilles, and more!
Photos: Andrew Rannells, Nikki M. James & More in FINN Benefit Concert Photo
Photos: Andrew Rannells, Nikki M. James & More in FINN Benefit Concert
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 18, 2025

Stars in the House just commemorated its fifth anniversary with a very special live, and of course livestreamed, show, teaming up with FINN creators Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond to present a star-studded one-night-only concert performance of FINN. Check out photos from the concert here!
Video: FINN Takes the Stage at Town Hall Photo
Video: FINN Takes the Stage at Town Hall
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 17, 2025

Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson teamed up with FINN creators Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond to present a one-night-only performance that also celebrated the fifth anniversary of Stars in the House. Watch the full show here!
Michael Urie, Charlotte D'Amboise, Nina West & More Join FINN Performance at Town Hal Photo
Michael Urie, Charlotte D'Amboise, Nina West & More Join FINN Performance at Town Hall
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 12, 2025

Michael Urie, Charlotte D’Amboise, Nina West, Peppermint, Adam Pascal, Brenda Braxton, and Zachary Noah Piser have joined the star-studded cast of the special performance of FINN taking place on Monday, March 17.
Norm Lewis, André De Shields, & More Nominated for 2025 MAC Awards - See the Full Li Photo
Norm Lewis, André De Shields, & More Nominated for 2025 MAC Awards - See the Full List
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 6, 2025

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has revealed the 39th Annual MAC Awards. Check out the full list of nominees, which includes Norm Lewis, André De Shield, and more!
Photos: CHICAGO's Bianca Marroquín Receives Sardi's Caricature Photo
Photos: CHICAGO's Bianca Marroquín Receives Sardi's Caricature
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 24, 2025

 Bianca Marroquín, who recently starred in Chicago on Broadway, has received her caricature at the iconic Sardi's! BroadwayWorld was there for the unveiling of her portrait and you can check out photos here!
THE WAITING ROOM Comes to Hamilton Stage Photo
THE WAITING ROOM Comes to Hamilton Stage
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025

 American Theater Group will present the premiere reading of Paul Marsh’s new comedy The Waiting Room as part of its free Monday Night Play Reading Series in February.
Video: Broadway Unites for Concert for America Photo
Video: Broadway Unites for Concert for America
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 20, 2025

Tune in for the Inauguration Day Concert for America event, which will raise funds for the California Community Foundation, an organization supporting wildfire recovery efforts to aid those most in need. Performers will include Cheyenne Jackson, Kelli O'Hara, Brian Stoke Mitchell, and more. Watch the full video here.
CONCERT FOR AMERICA Expands to Los Angeles; Rachel Bay Jones, Cheyenne Jackson, & Mor Photo
CONCERT FOR AMERICA Expands to Los Angeles; Rachel Bay Jones, Cheyenne Jackson, & More Join
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 15, 2025

The Inauguration Day Concert for America event will now raise funds for the California Community Foundation, an organization supporting wildfire recovery efforts to aid those most in need. Newly joined talent appearances include Wayne Brady, Rachel Bay Jones, Cheyenne Jackson, Ingrid Michaelson, Richard Kind, and more.
Jessica Vosk, Kelli O'Hara, Brian Stokes Mitchell & More to Join CONCERT FOR AMERICA Photo
Jessica Vosk, Kelli O'Hara, Brian Stokes Mitchell & More to Join CONCERT FOR AMERICA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2025

Producers Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson's next Concert for America fundraising event will take place in January, featuring Jessica Vosk, Kelli O'Hara, Brian Stokes Mitchell and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Honors Tom Viertel at 23rd Monte Cristo Award G Photo
Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Honors Tom Viertel at 23rd Monte Cristo Award Gala
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2024

The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center presented the 23rd Monte Cristo Award to Chair Emeritus Tom Viertel, last night at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. Check out photos here!
New VILLAIN: DEBLANKS Benefit To Feature Judy Gold, Jackie Hoffman, Brenda Braxton, a Photo
New VILLAIN: DEBLANKS Benefit To Feature Judy Gold, Jackie Hoffman, Brenda Braxton, and More
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 6, 2024

A one-night-only benefit performance, on Monday, November 25, Villain: DeBlanks BOOK CLUB! brings together an unmissable lineup.
Josh Groban, Brian Stokes Mitchell  and More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE: VOTE-A-THO Photo
Josh Groban, Brian Stokes Mitchell  and More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE: VOTE-A-THON
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 4, 2024

Stars in the House has announced Josh Groban, Neil Patrick Harris, Brian Stokes Mitchell and more for the second annual Election Day Vote-A-Thon.
Photos: On the Red Carpet at THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE Opening Night Photo
Photos: On the Red Carpet at THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE Opening Night
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Nov 4, 2024

Gingold Theatrical Group is now presenting The Devil's Disciple by George Bernard Shaw. Directed by David Staller, The Devil's Disciple will play in Theatre Two at Theatre Row through November 23, 2024. Check out photos of the cast arriving at opening night here!
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Martin Short, Shoshana Bean, and More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE Vot Photo
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Martin Short, Shoshana Bean, and More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE Vote-A-Thon
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 2, 2024

“Stars in the House” will return for its second Election Day Vote-A-Thon with a star-studded lineup joining hosts Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson to talk about their voting experiences and deliver LIVE musical performances.
Photos: Gingold Theatrical Group Gala Honors Lynn Ahrens and Steven Flaherty Photo
Photos: Gingold Theatrical Group Gala Honors Lynn Ahrens and Steven Flaherty
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Sep 25, 2024

Gingold Theatrical Group recently held its 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala. The evening honored Broadway composing team Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty with the Golden Shamrock Award for their tireless work as supporters of human rights and their artistic excellence in musical theater writing. Check out photos from inside the event here!
Review: AN EVENING WITH BROADWAY LEGEND LACHANZE Pure Magic at 54 Below Photo
Review: AN EVENING WITH BROADWAY LEGEND LACHANZE Pure Magic at 54 Below
by Stephen Mosher - Sep 25, 2024

In a benefit concert for the non-profit 54B, LaChanze demonstrates the value of cabaret.
Photos: Stars Turn Out for Gingold Group's 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala Photo
Photos: Stars Turn Out for Gingold Group's 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Sep 25, 2024

See photos from inside the Gingold Theatrical Group 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala. The evening honored Broadway composing team Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty with the Golden Shamrock Award for their tireless work as supporters of human rights and their artistic excellence in musical theater writing.
Amber Iman, Jennifer Damiano, Brenda Braxton, And More Join New Musical BEAPART Readi Photo
Amber Iman, Jennifer Damiano, Brenda Braxton, And More Join New Musical BEAPART Reading
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 17, 2024

Tony-nominees Amber Iman (Lempicka), Jennifer Damiano (Next to Normal), and Brenda Braxton (Smokey Joe's Cafe), alongside Marcus Paul James (Ain't Too Proud), Marcus M. Martin (Aladdin), Jaime Cepero (SMASH) and The Voice finalist Brooke Simpson (1776), are set to lead the cast of BeAPart, a new musical about chosen family, gentrification, returning home, and the sweet, smoky love of barbecue.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Brenda Braxton been in?

Brenda Braxton has appeared on Broadway in 9 shows.

How many West End shows has Brenda Braxton been in?

Brenda Braxton has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Brenda Braxton been nominated for?

Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Glengarry Glen Ross , Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Chicago and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Smokey Joe's Cafe.

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