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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
Firebuds
[ 2022-2024 ] Jenna Jones
Dee & Friends in Oz
Miss Emerald Grandma

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

More Videos

News


Interview: Tori Gresham of WAITRESS at Theatre Under The Stars Photo
Interview: Tori Gresham of WAITRESS at Theatre Under The Stars
by Armando Urdiales - Apr 15, 2025

In Theatre Under the Stars' production of Waitress, Tori Gresham steps into the role of Dawn—a character beloved for her quirky charm, heartfelt honesty, and unexpected strength. Bringing her fresh perspective to a part with a passionate fan following, Gresham approaches Dawn with reverence and originality.
Tickets to KIMBERLY AKIMBO in Chicago on Sale This Week Photo
Tickets to KIMBERLY AKIMBO in Chicago on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 7, 2025

Individual tickets for KIMBERLY AKIMBO, winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, will go on sale starting Tuesday, April 8. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
WINE IN THE WILDERNESS Extends for Additional Week at Classic Stage Company Photo
WINE IN THE WILDERNESS Extends for Additional Week at Classic Stage Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 2, 2025

Classic Stage Company will present one-week extension of Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress and directed by Tony Award winner LaChanze in her New York directorial debut. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Tickets on Sale For KIMBERLY AKIMBO at Playhouse Square Photo
Tickets on Sale For KIMBERLY AKIMBO at Playhouse Square
by Stephi Wild - Mar 28, 2025

​​​​​​​Playhouse Square has announced that individual tickets for KIMBERLY AKIMBO are now on-sale. KIMBERLY AKIMBO will make its Cleveland premiere at Playhouse Square in July.
Photos: WINE IN THE WILDERNESS Celebrates Opening Night Photo
Photos: WINE IN THE WILDERNESS Celebrates Opening Night
by Jennifer Broski - Mar 25, 2025

Classic Stage Company just celebrated opening night of Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress directed by Tony Award winner LaChanze in her New York directorial debut. Check out photos from inside opening night!
Review Roundup: WINE IN THE WILDERNESS At Classic Stage Company Photo
Review Roundup: WINE IN THE WILDERNESS At Classic Stage Company
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 25, 2025

Classic Stage Company is presenting Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress (Trouble in Mind) directed by Tony Award winner LaChanze (Trouble in Mind) in her New York directorial debut. Read the reviews!
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!
Broadway Casting Director Alan Filderman Has Passed Away Photo
Broadway Casting Director Alan Filderman Has Passed Away
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 21, 2025

Broadway casting director Alan Filderman has passed away at the age of 70 following a battle with cancer.
Photos: LaChanze Directs WINE IN THE WILDERNESS At Classic Stage Company Photo
Photos: LaChanze Directs WINE IN THE WILDERNESS At Classic Stage Company
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025

Classic Stage Company has released photos of Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress (Trouble in Mind) directed by Tony Award winner LaChanze (Trouble in Mind) in her New York directorial debut.
Photos: Mandy Gonzalez, Jessie Mueller and More in BROADWAY’S LEADING LADIES Photo
Photos: Mandy Gonzalez, Jessie Mueller and More in BROADWAY’S LEADING LADIES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025

PBS, in partnership with No Guarantees and Nouveau Productions, presented a one-night-only special event, Broadway’s Leading Ladies, held on Monday, March 10 at New York City’s Town Hall. See photos here!
LaChanze, Vanessa Williams and More to Join BTU's THE BUSINESS OF SHOW Series Photo
LaChanze, Vanessa Williams and More to Join BTU's THE BUSINESS OF SHOW Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025

Black Theatre United will present the next installment of The Business of Show Series: Producing 101. Learn more about the series and see how to tune in!
Classic Stage Company Announces Classic Perspectives Programming & Special Access Per Photo
Classic Stage Company Announces Classic Perspectives Programming & Special Access Performances For WINE IN THE WILDERNESS
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 8, 2025

Classic Stage Company has announced their full programming for Classic Perspectives, a series of post-show conversations inspired by Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress (Trouble in Mind) and directed by Tony Award winner LaChanze (Trouble in Mind).
Photos: Inside BTC's 2nd Annual BUILDING THE CHANGE Gala Photo
Photos: Inside BTC's 2nd Annual BUILDING THE CHANGE Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 5, 2025

On Monday, BTC held its 2nd Annual “Building the Change” Gala at the Rainbow Room in New York City. The evening honored Phylicia Rashad. See photos from the event here!
Mandy Gonzalez, Solea Pfeiffer, and More Join BROADWAY'S LEADING LADIES Photo
Mandy Gonzalez, Solea Pfeiffer, and More Join BROADWAY'S LEADING LADIES
by Stephi Wild - Mar 5, 2025

Additional casting has been announced for PBS's upcoming one-night-only concert event, Broadway’s Leading Ladies. Learn more about who is joining the cast here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 25, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 25, 2025
by - Feb 25, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 25, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Jessica Vosk, Lesli Margherita, Ethan Slater, and More Join CLASSICS GONE MAD! Photo
Jessica Vosk, Lesli Margherita, Ethan Slater, and More Join CLASSICS GONE MAD!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 24, 2025

Classic Stage Company will present the 2025 iteration of Classics Gone Mad!, a benefit event hosted by stage and screen star Nina West, featuring Jessica Vosk, Lesli Margherita, Ethan Slater and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
PURPOSE Will Offer Digital and General Rush Tickets Photo
PURPOSE Will Offer Digital and General Rush Tickets
by Stephi Wild - Feb 24, 2025

The Broadway production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins new play, PURPOSE, directed by Phylicia Rashad, has announced its Digital and General Rush Policies. Find out how to get discount tickets for Purpose here!
Lindsay Mendez, Jessie Mueller, LaChanze, and More Join BROADWAY’S LEADING LADIES Photo
Lindsay Mendez, Jessie Mueller, LaChanze, and More Join BROADWAY’S LEADING LADIES Concert
by Stephi Wild - Feb 24, 2025

Initial casting has been announced for Broadway’s Leading Ladies, the upcoming one-night-only special being broadcast on PBS. Learn more about the concert here!
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Will Offer Discount Tickets Through Digital Lottery and Gener Photo
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Will Offer Discount Tickets Through Digital Lottery and General Rush
by Stephi Wild - Feb 19, 2025

The new Broadway musical BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB will launch Digital Lottery and General Rush policies, to allow fans to get discount tickets to the upcoming production. Learn more here about how to get cheap tickets to the show!
KIMBERLY AKIMBO is Coming to The Fabulous Fox This Spring Photo
KIMBERLY AKIMBO is Coming to The Fabulous Fox This Spring
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2025

KIMBERLY AKIMBO is Coming to The Fabulous Fox Theatre this spring! The tour stars three-time Tony Award nominee Carolee Carmel, and more! Learn how to purchase tickets.
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 awards, including: Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Secret Life of Bees, Best Featured Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for If/Then, 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, and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Once on This Island.

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