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LaChanze

Also Credited As: R. Lachanze Sapp, LaChanze

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BIO

LaChanze's first summer job was as a tap dancer in the ensemble of Uptown... It's Hot! at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The show opened on Broadway in January 1986, where LaChanze began her professional career in the theater.


LaChanze played the role of "Ti Moune" in the Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty musical Once on This Island in 1990 and received nominations for the Tony Award as Best Featured Actress in a Musical and Drama Desk Award as Outstanding Actress in a Musical. She was a replacement "Sarah" in the Ahrens and Flaherty and Terrence McNally Broadway musical Ragtime, starting in December 1998. She played the role of "Viveca" in the Playwrights Horizons Off-Broadway production of the musical The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, which opened in June 2000. She received a Drama Desk nomination, Actress (Musical), for her performance. LaChanze participated in an Actors Fund of America benefit concert of Funny Girl, with many performers portraying the character of "Fanny Brice", in September 2002.
In 2005 she played a runaway slave in the Ahrens and Flaherty musical Dessa Rose. The musical opened Off-Broadway at the Mitzi Newhouse Theatre at Lincoln Center in March 2005. LaChanze received an Obie Award for Performance for Dessa Rose. LaChanze appeared as "Celie" in the Broadway musical The Color Purple, from its opening in 2005 to November 2006. She won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for this performance.
In September 2008 she participated in the Boston Pops concert, Handel's Messiah Rocks at Emerson College. The performance was filmed by Public Broadcasting Service. She was in the Off-Broadway production of Inked Baby, written by Christina Anderson, which opened in March 2009 at Playwrights Horizons Peter Jay Sharp Theater. In June and July 2009, she played the role of "Glinda" in the City Center Encores! staged Summer Stars concert production of The Wiz.
She published her first picture book, Little Diva, in 2010. She was in the Broadway production of If/Then in 2014, starring as Kate. In 2018, she was in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical on Broadway, playing Diva Donna/Mary Gaines. She is currently in A Christmas Carol on Broadway, starring as the Ghost of Christmas Present.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Trouble in Mind Trouble in Mind
[Broadway]
2021
Wiletta
A Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Fezziwig
The Secret Life of Bees The Secret Life of Bees
[Off-Broadway]
Atlantic Theatre Company Off-Broadway World Premiere, 2019
August
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2018
Donna Summer
Mary Gaines
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere at La Jolla Playhouse, 2017
Diva Donna
Cabin in the Sky Cabin in the Sky
[Off-Broadway]
Encores Concert Production, 2016
Petunia Jackson
If/Then If/Then
[US Tour]
First National Tour, 2015
Kate
If/Then If/Then
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Kate
Inked Baby
[Off-Broadway]
2009
Performer
The Color Purple The Color Purple
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Celie
Celie
The Color Purple
[New York]
Workshop, 2005
Celie
Dessa Rose
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2005
Dessa Rose
Dessa Rose
Baby
[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 2004
Pam
The Color Purple
[New York]
Reading, 2004
Performer
Miracle Brothers
[New York]
Reading, 2004
Performer
Dessa Rose
[New York]
Reading, 2003
Performer
Funny Girl
[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2002
Fanny Brice
Fanny Brice
Once On This Island
[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 2002
Ti Moune
Ti Moune
The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2000
Viveca
The Vagina Monologues
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
Ragtime
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1998
Sarah [Replacement]
Comfortable Shoes
[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1996
Performer
Company
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 1995
Marta
Out of this World
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1995
Chloe
Once On This Island
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1990
Ti Moune
Ti Moune
Once on This Island
[Off-Broadway]
1990
Ti Moune
1001 Nights
[New York]
Reading, 1999
Performer
Ragtime
[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Production, 1997
Performer

Productions

Wine in the WildernessWine in the Wilderness
 
[Off-Broadway, 2025]
Director
Buena Vista Social ClubBuena Vista Social Club
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Producer
PurposePurpose
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Producer
Kimberly AkimboKimberly Akimbo
 
[US Tour, 2024]
Producer
Jaja's African Hair BraidingJaja's African Hair Braiding
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Producing Partner
Kimberly AkimboKimberly Akimbo
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Producer


TV Shows

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
President Rosa Freeman, Amber, Ms. Pivik
The Cosby Show
Sylvia
The Good Fight
Julius's Wife

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Distinguished Performance Awards

LaChanze, Trouble in Mind

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

LaChanze, Trouble in Mind

Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

LaChanze, Trouble in Mind

Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

LaChanze, The Secret Life of Bees


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

LaChanze, The Secret Life of Bees

Drama Desk Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

LaChanze, Summer

Drama League Awards - 2018 - Distinguished Performance Award

LaChanze, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical

Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

LaChanze, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2014 - Best Featured Actress in a Musical

LaChanze, If/Then

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

La Chanze, The Color Purple


winner
Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

LaChanze, The Color Purple


winner
Obie Awards - 2005 - Performance

LaChanze, Dessa Rose


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

La Chanze, The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1991 - Performance

LaChanze, Once on This Island

Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

LaChanze , Once on this Island

Videos

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News


Grantham Coleman, Lakisha Michelle May & More Join WINE IN THE WILDERNESS At CSC Photo
Grantham Coleman, Lakisha Michelle May & More Join WINE IN THE WILDERNESS At CSC
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 29, 2025

Classic Stage Company has revealed the full cast for Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress and directed by Tony Award winner LaChanze in her New York directorial debut. Learn more.
New Jennifer Nettles Musical, Renee Elise Goldsberry and More Will Come to PAC NYC Photo
New Jennifer Nettles Musical, Renee Elise Goldsberry and More Will Come to PAC NYC
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2025

The Perelman Performing Arts Center has announced its upcoming lineup including a world premiere new musical GIULIA: The Poison  Queen of Palermo written by and featuring Grammy Award winner Jennifer Nettles.
Tickets on Sale This Week For Memphis Premiere of KIMBERLY AKIMBO Photo
Tickets on Sale This Week For Memphis Premiere of KIMBERLY AKIMBO
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

The Orpheum Theatre Group has announced that individual tickets for KIMBERLY AKIMBO will go on sale starting Friday, January 31 at 10am. Learn more here!
Photos: JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Opens at Chicago Shakespeare Theater Photo
Photos: JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Opens at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025

Chicago Shakespeare hosted its opening night for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding Friday. In attendance were LaChanze, a producer on the show, and Producer Gigi Pritzker of Madison Wells Live and Chicago’s First Lady Stacie Johnson. Check out photos!
Photos: BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Begins Rehearsals on Broadway Photo
Photos: BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Begins Rehearsals on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 17, 2025

Rehearsals have begun for the new Broadway musical BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB in New York City. Check out rehearsal photos of the new Broadway production and learn more about the show!
Video: Watch Joy Woods Sing 'I Could Have Danced All Night' at MCC MISCAST Photo
Video: Watch Joy Woods Sing 'I Could Have Danced All Night' at MCC MISCAST
by Michael Major - Jan 13, 2025

Watch Joy Woods sing 'I Could Have Danced All Night' from My Fair Lady at MCC Theater's MISCAST in 2023. See a video of the Gypsy star perform the classic musical theatre song now!
Feature: 18 of the Best Solo Cabaret Shows of 2024 Photo
Feature: 18 of the Best Solo Cabaret Shows of 2024
by Rebecca Kaplan - Dec 31, 2024

As the year draws to a close, it’s time to look back on some of the highlights of the year in cabaret. See 18 of the best solo shows of the year from January to December, as chosen by the BWW Cabaret team.
Video: Lorna Courtney Sings 'Corner of the Sky' at MCC MISCAST23 Photo
Video: Lorna Courtney Sings 'Corner of the Sky' at MCC MISCAST23
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 30, 2024

You can now take a look back at Lorna Courtney performing 'Corner of the Sky' from Pippin at MCC Theater's MISCAST23. Learn more about the event and check out the video here!
KIMBERLY AKIMBO is Coming to Keller Auditorium in January Photo
KIMBERLY AKIMBO is Coming to Keller Auditorium in January
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 27, 2024

KIMBERLY AKIMBO, winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, will make its Portland premiere at Keller Auditorium. Learn more abut the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala Photo
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 18, 2024

New York Theatre Workshop's 2025 Gala will honor Emmy Award winner Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, and Tony Award-winning theater and film producer Greg Nobile. Learn more and see how to attend.
A 2024 Broadway Holiday Streaming Guide Photo
A 2024 Broadway Holiday Streaming Guide
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 17, 2024

From Sabrina Carpenter's new Christmas special to musical classics like Albert Finney's Scrooge, find out which holiday streaming titles will bring a Broadway fan some extra joy this year.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 16, 2024 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 16, 2024
by - Dec 16, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 16, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
KIMBERLY AKIMBO Comes to Seattle Next Month Photo
KIMBERLY AKIMBO Comes to Seattle Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2024

KIMBERLY AKIMBO, will make its Seattle premiere at The Paramount Theatre in January 2025. Learn more about the upcoming production here and find out how to get tickets!
Tickets On Sale Now KIMBERLY AKIMBO at The Orpheum Theater Photo
Tickets On Sale Now KIMBERLY AKIMBO at The Orpheum Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2024

Tickets are on sale now for the Nebraska premiere of KIMBERLY AKIMBO, winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including Best Musical. The show will play Omaha's Orpheum Theater in February. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Harry Lennix, Kara Young & More Will Star in PURPOSE on B Photo
LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Harry Lennix, Kara Young & More Will Star in PURPOSE on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 9, 2024

Complete casting has been announced for the highly-anticipated Broadway transfer of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s production of Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ new play, PURPOSE. Check out who has joined the cast!
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Kicks Off 2024-25 Season At December 4 Gala Photo
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Kicks Off 2024-25 Season At December 4 Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 27, 2024

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater‘s 2024-25 season celebrating the life and legacy of Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison kicks off on Wednesday, December 4 at 7pm with a star-studded Opening Night Gala.
THE COLOR PURPLE Songwriter Brenda Russell Releases New Single Photo
THE COLOR PURPLE Songwriter Brenda Russell Releases New Single
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2024

With the release of her latest single, the soulful and sensual romance “You Know What It’s Like,” Brenda Russell makes a triumphant return to the refined classic blend of adult contemporary R&B and urban jazz. Listen to the new single from The Color Purple songwriter now.
Photos: Go Inside the N'Kenge Foundation Inaugural Benefit Gala Show Photo
Photos: Go Inside the N'Kenge Foundation Inaugural Benefit Gala Show
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Nov 24, 2024

The N'Kenge Foundation hosted its inaugural benefit gala on Friday, November 22, 2024, at The Cutting Room. Check out photos from inside the event below!
Photos: Stars Arrive at the N'Kenge Foundation Gala Photo
Photos: Stars Arrive at the N'Kenge Foundation Gala
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Nov 24, 2024

The N'Kenge Foundation hosted its inaugural benefit gala on Friday, November 22, 2024, at The Cutting Room. Check out photos of the stars as they arrive below!
Photos: In Rehearsal For N'Kenge Foundation's Inaugural Benefit Gala Photo
Photos: In Rehearsal For N'Kenge Foundation's Inaugural Benefit Gala
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Nov 22, 2024

The N'Kenge Foundation will host its inaugural benefit gala taking place on Friday, November 22, 2024, at The Cutting Room in New York City. Check out photos from rehearsal here!
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has LaChanze been in?

LaChanze has appeared on Broadway in 10 shows.

How many West End shows has LaChanze been in?

LaChanze has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has LaChanze been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Awards (Drama League Awards) for Trouble in Mind, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Trouble in Mind, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Trouble in Mind, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Secret Life of Bees, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Secret Life of Bees, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Summer, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Best Featured Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for If/Then, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Color Purple, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Color Purple, Performance (Obie Awards) for Dessa Rose, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Once on This Island and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Once on this Island.

What awards has LaChanze won?

LaChanze has won several prestigious awards, including: Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Secret Life of Bees; Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for If/Then; Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for The Color Purple; Performance at the Obie Awards for Dessa Rose; Outstanding Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin; and Performance at the Theatre World Awards for Once on This Island.

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