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Brenda Braxton

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Brenda Braxton 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.

Brenda Braxton Photos

Brenda Braxton STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Gingold Theatre Group Off-Broadway Production, 2019
Ftatateeta

[Regional (US)]
US Premiere, 2018
Sandra Snyder

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2012
Clarity [Replacement]

Clarity [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2003
Gladiola

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Velma Kelly [Replacement]

Velma Kelly [Replacement]

Velma Kelly [Replacement]

Velma Kelly [Replacement]

Velma Kelly [Replacement]

Velma Kelly [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1995
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1992
Ensemble/Other Roles

Too-Tight Nora

One of "The Crowd"

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Madge

[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1987
Performer (Swing)

One of "The Sweethearts" (Understudy)

Lorrell Robinson (Understudy)

Joanne (Understudy)

Edna Burke (Understudy)

Charlene (Understudy)

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Demeter [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
One of "Les Style" [Replacement]

Charlene [Replacement]

Performer (Swing)

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Alternate

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Mushroom

Mushrooms

Brenda Braxton Productions

 
[US Tour, 2004]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Choreographer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Dance Captain
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Dance Captain
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Production Assistant

Brenda Braxton 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

Brenda Braxton Videos

Brenda Braxton News


Photos: Stars Walk the Yellow Carpet on Opening Night of THE WIZ on Broadway


The Wiz officially opened at the Marquis Theatre and the best of broadway was on hand for the celebration. Check out photos of special guests, including original stars Stephanie Mills and Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, Andy Cohen, Tamron Hall,  Leslie Uggams, and many more!

Interview: Backstage Babble's Charles Kirsch Is Celebrating Flops at 54 Below


Charles Kirsch's podcast, Backstage Babble, gives a behind the scenes look at Broadway shows and the theater industry. On Monday April 29th at 7 pm, Kirsch will be hosting a special event at 54 Below paying tribute to 14 shows on the iconic “flop wall” at Joe Allen Restaurant with shows including Merrily We Roll Along, Nick and Nora, and Kelly.

Feature: Meet 54 Below's Newest Board Members


54 Below recently welcomed six new members to their distinguished board of directors. We asked them a few questions to get to know them a bit better. Meet James Gunderson, Tom Hood, Howard Lee Morgan, Brian Kaltner, Lee H. Perlman and Susan L Raanan!

Brenda Braxton, Amanda Green & More to Join BACKSTAGE BABBLE CELEBRATES JOE ALLEN RESTAURANT


54 BELOW will present a special edition of Backstage Babble Live celebrating the iconic wall of Broadway flop posters at Joe Allen Restaurant. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Liz Callaway, Hugh Panaro & More to Join Amas Musical Theatre Benefit Concert


Amas Musical Theatre has revealed the line-up of talent that will be on hand to celebrate the company's 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert. Learn more about the gala and see how to purchase tickets.

54 Below Announces the Appointment of New Board Members


54 Below, the celebrated Times Square cabaret venue that is the recipient of a 2022 TONY AWARDS Special Honor for Excellence in the Theater, has announced new board members. James Gunderson, Tom Hood, Howard Lee Morgan, Brian Kaltner, Lee H. Perlman and Susan L Raanan have joined the award-winning supper club board, effective immediately.

Liz Callaway, Billy Stritch & More Nominated for 2024 MAC Awards - See the Full List!


The Manhattan Association of Cabarets has revealed the 2024 MAC Award nominees. See who was nominated!

New Music Venue The Central Park Café Opens Across The Street From Carnegie Hall


The Central Park Café is bringing the finest in New York cabaret to their restaurant across the street from Carnegie Hall. Learn more about the venue!

Tony Award Nominee Brenda Braxton to Join Broadway Theatre Project Guest Faculty This Summer


Broadway performer Brenda Braxton will be joining the Guest Faculty this summer at the Broadway Theatre Project in Tampa, Florida.

Marcus Simeone & Tracy Stark Will Bring 'Twilight Canopy / Up, Up & Away: Some Of The Songs Of Jimmy Webb' to Don't Tell Mama Next Month


Bistro and MAC Award-winning performers Marcus Simeone and Tracy Stark take us on a journey through the music and career of songwriter Jimmy Webb, via solos and duets. This is the final NYC performance of a show directed by Lina Koutrakos.

Photos: Go Inside Black Theatre Coalition's BUILDING THE CHANGE Gala


Just last night, the Black Theatre Coalition hosted its Inaugural BTC Gala, celebrating entertainment professionals working in theater, film, television, cultural institutions, and music. Check out photos from inside the big night here!

Photos: See Krysta Rodriguez, Michael Urie & More at Out of the Box Theatrics' Season Launch Event


Out of the Box Theatrics unveiled its 2024-2025 mainstage productions with a launch event, hosted by Michael Urie, on January 29, 2024. See photos!

INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS World Premiere, SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE & More Set for Out of the Box Theatrics 2024-2025 Season


Out of the Box Theatrics has unveiled its 2024-2025 mainstage productions and additional programming for the company’s new home at 154 Christopher Street.

Michael Rider Brings 'This 'Ol House: Stories of a City Bear, Country Queen' to Chelsea Table and Stage


Singer, performer, coach, and voice teacher Michael Rider brings his journey from a dairy farm in Pennsylvania to the metropolis of NYC through stories and songs during his NYC cabaret debut in THIS ‘OL HOUSE: STORIES OF A CITY BEAR, COUNTRY QUEEN.

Out of the Box Theatrics to Present Building the Box Readings of TRASH by James Caverly and Andrew Merrill


Out of the Box Theatrics will present the first reading of the company’s Building the Box series of new plays. Learn details and see how to purchase tickets!

Krysta Rodriguez Joins Lineup For Launch Event To Announce Out Of The Box Theatrics' 2024-2025 Season


Krysta Rodriguez joins lineup for Out of the Box Theatrics' 2024-2025 season announcement event.

Michael Urie to Host Out of the Box Theatrics 2024-2025 Season Launch Event


Michael Urie (Broadway’s Spamalot, Torch Song, How to Succeed…) will host Out of the Box Theatrics' 2024-2025 season launch event on Monday, January 29, 2024.

Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Cabaret Awards; Voting Ends 12/31


It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Cabaret Awards; Current Live Standings


There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Photos: The Gasp Collection


After four years at Broadway World Cabaret, quite a collection of photos has been amassed. These are the gasp-worthy pics.

Brenda Braxton 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?

Brenda Braxton has been nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Actor in a Play by the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her role in Glengarry Glen Ross, Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production by the Helen Hayes Awards for Chicago, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Smokey Joe's Cafe.

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