LaChanze
Also Credited As: R. Lachanze Sapp, LaChanze
Latest News on LaChanze :
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala (Dec 18, 2024)
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 16, 2024 (Dec 16, 2024)
KIMBERLY AKIMBO Comes to Seattle Next Month (Dec 13, 2024)
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala (Dec 18, 2024)
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 16, 2024 (Dec 16, 2024)
KIMBERLY AKIMBO Comes to Seattle Next Month (Dec 13, 2024)
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
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STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Fezziwig
[Off-Broadway]
Atlantic Theatre Company Off-Broadway World Premiere, 2019
August
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2018
Donna Summer
Mary Gaines
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere at La Jolla Playhouse, 2017
Diva Donna
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2000
Viveca
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
Productions
TV Shows
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
President Rosa Freeman, Amber, Ms. Pivik
President Rosa Freeman, Amber, Ms. Pivik
The Cosby Show
Sylvia
Sylvia
The Good Fight
Julius's Wife
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
Video: Annaleigh Ashford & Josh Groban Sing 'The Phantom of the Opera' at MISCAST
by Michael Major - Oct 14, 2024
Video: Carolee Carmello and Miguel Gil Sing 'Now' at KIMBERLY AKIMBO Tour Sitzprobe
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 1, 2024
Exclusive: Aisha Jackson is Getting Ready to Spotlight Black Excellence on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 21, 2024
Video: Watch LaChanze Discuss Becoming a Broadway Producer on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 18, 2024
Video: Stars Come Out to Celebrate Opening Night of PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 17, 2024
Video: Watch Denée Benton, Alan Cumming & More In GENIE Holiday Film Trailer Starring Melissa McCarthy
by Michael Major - Nov 1, 2023
VIDEO: KIMBERLY AKIMBO's Steven Boyer and Alli Mauzey Talk Food & Drinks Near the Theater
by Blair Ingenthron - Oct 15, 2023
Video: Arielle Jacobs, Lea Salonga, Jose Llana, and More Talk HERE LIES LOVE
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 16, 2023
Video: Watch KIMBERLY AKIMBO's NPR Tiny Desk Concert With Bonnie Milligan, Victoria Clark & More
by Michael Major - May 19, 2023
News
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala
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.
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.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 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.
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
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!
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
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.
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 Broadway
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!
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
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.
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
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.
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: Stars Arrive at the N'Kenge Foundation Gala
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!
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: Go Inside the N'Kenge Foundation Inaugural Benefit Gala Show
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!
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: In Rehearsal For N'Kenge Foundation's Inaugural Benefit Gala
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!
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!
JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING to Have Midwest Premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Straight from a twice-extended Broadway run, Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present the Midwest premiere of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Straight from a twice-extended Broadway run, Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present the Midwest premiere of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: LaChanze Takes On 'Heaven on Their Minds' at Miscast
Tony winner LaChanze appears in the latest flashback performance from MCC Theater's MISCAST23! Watch as she sings 'Heaven on Their Minds' from Jesus Christ Superstar in this video.
Tony winner LaChanze appears in the latest flashback performance from MCC Theater's MISCAST23! Watch as she sings 'Heaven on Their Minds' from Jesus Christ Superstar in this video.
Tickets to KIMBERLY AKIMBO in Boston On Sale Now
Tickets for the Tony Award-winning production of KIMBERLY AKIMBO, presented by Broadway In Boston, are now available. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Tickets for the Tony Award-winning production of KIMBERLY AKIMBO, presented by Broadway In Boston, are now available. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
KIMBERLY AKIMBO to Make Columbus Premiere at the Ohio Theatre
Broadway in Columbus will present the Columbus premiere of KIMBERLY AKIMBO, winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, for eight shows in June. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Broadway in Columbus will present the Columbus premiere of KIMBERLY AKIMBO, winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, for eight shows in June. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Tickets on Sale This Month For KIMBERLY AKIMBO in Detroit
Broadway In Detroit has announced that individual tickets for KIMBERLY AKIMBO, will go on sale this month for the show's upcoming run in March of 2025.
Broadway In Detroit has announced that individual tickets for KIMBERLY AKIMBO, will go on sale this month for the show's upcoming run in March of 2025.
A 2024 Broadway Holiday Streaming Guide
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.
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.
Cyndi Lauper & Theresa Rebeck's WORKING GIRL, Julia Child Play & More Set For La Jolla Playhouse 2025/26 Season
La Jolla Playhouse has announced their 2025/2026 season featuring new works from Cyndi Lauper & Theresa, a new play about Julia Child and more.
La Jolla Playhouse has announced their 2025/2026 season featuring new works from Cyndi Lauper & Theresa, a new play about Julia Child and more.
Photos: WELL-BEHAVED WOMEN Raises Money for the Harris Victory Fund
Earlier this week, women of Broadway united for a one-night-only benefit of Carmel Dean’s song cycle Well-Behaved Women. Check out photos from inside the event here!
Earlier this week, women of Broadway united for a one-night-only benefit of Carmel Dean’s song cycle Well-Behaved Women. Check out photos from inside the event here!
Olivia Washington & Tramell Tillman Join WINE IN THE WILDERNESS at Classic Stage Company
Olivia Washington and Tramell Tillman have joined the cast of WINE IN THE WILDERNESS by Alice Childress at Classic Stage Company, adding depth to this compelling production. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Olivia Washington and Tramell Tillman have joined the cast of WINE IN THE WILDERNESS by Alice Childress at Classic Stage Company, adding depth to this compelling production. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Exclusive: Carmel Dean’s WELL-BEHAVED WOMEN in Rehearsals
On Monday, women of Broadway unite for a one-night-only benefit of Carmel Dean’s song cycle Well-Behaved Women, directed by Schele Williams. Watch as we bring you exclusive highlights from inside rehearsals!
On Monday, women of Broadway unite for a one-night-only benefit of Carmel Dean’s song cycle Well-Behaved Women, directed by Schele Williams. Watch as we bring you exclusive highlights from inside rehearsals!
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 received numerous awards for her performances, 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.
Videos