News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
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Melba Moore

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1987
Fantine [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Unknown, 1981
Inacent Black

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Marsinah

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1970
Lutiebelle

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1968
Sheila [Replacement]

Dionne

Sheila (Understudy) [Replacement]

[US Tour]
National Tour, 2006
Paradice


Movies

The Sidelong Glances of a Pigeon Kicker
[ 1970 ] Model at Party
Lost in the Stars
[ 1974 ] Irina
Hair
[ 1979 ] 3-5-0-0 Soloist
All Dogs Go to Heaven
[ 1989 ] Whippet Angel
Def by Temptation
[ 1990 ] Madam Sonya
The Fighting Temptations
[ 2003 ] Bessie Cooley
Hip Hop Holiday
[ 2019 ] Granny Fran

TV Shows

The Love Boat
Shelley Rush, Claudette Plummer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1970 - Outstanding Performance

Melba Moore, Purlie


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1970 - Performance

Melba Moore, Purlie


winner
Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Melba Moore , Purlie

News


Melba Moore, Kenny Lattimore & More to Star in HEAVENBOUND at The Wilshire Ebell Theater

Acclaimed Playwright, Don B. Welch will return with, the rousing hand clapping foot stomping gospel play, “HEAVENBOUND” in Los Angeles, starring Melba Moore and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: SUFFS Performs 'Keep Marching' At BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA

Broadway and Hollywood talent gathered for Broadway Rallies for Kamala. A-list talent turned out for the big night including the cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, SUFFS. Watch as the show's creator, composer, and star, Shaina Taub performs, 'Keep Marching' with the show's all-female cast. See the video!
Video: Anne Hathaway Rocks BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA With A Queen Classic

Tonight, Broadway and Hollywood talent gathered for Broadway Rallies for Kamala. Award-winning stage and screen star Anne Hathaway, who rocked the vote with a cover of Queen's classic song, 'Somebody to Love'. Watch the video!
Interview: Melba Moore Is Truly Herself in FROM BROADWAY, WITH LOVE at 54 Below

Read a conversation with Ms. Moore about her upcoming show and her reflections on the role of theater in her life.
Video: Schele Williams Talks BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA

Broadway and Hollywood’s best gathered for Broadway Rallies for Kamala, a special event in New York City. We spoke to the event's director Schele Williams about the event and the dial-a-thon that has made one million phone calls for the Harris campaign.
Idina Menzel Joins Dial-A-Thon in Support of Kamala Harris

Broadway for Harris has announced additional stars for its two mobilization events taking place today, Monday, October 14th.  Star of stage and screen Idina Menzel has joined the lineup for Kamala Dial-A-Thon, a virtual phone bank from 12-6pm ET.
Linda Eder, Melba Moore, and More Set for 54 Below Next Week

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club and 2022 Tony Awards Honoree for Excellence in the Theatre, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work.
Broadway Stars Will Unite for Broadway Rallies for Kamala

On Monday, October 14th, Broadway and Hollywood’s best will gather for Broadway Rallies for Kamala, a special event in New York City to mobilize audience members and remote viewers across the country to get involved in supporting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the final weeks leading up to Election Day, November 5th. Watch here!
Feature: October Monthly Musical Birthday Tribute " It's a Quiz!

What star turned down CABARET? What two cabaret stars were born on Halloween? What cabaret club was named for a character in a musical? What Broadway lyricist turns 100 this month? Take the multiple-choice quiz and see what you know (or might guess correctly) about so many talented folks ALL born in October.
See Linda Eder, Beth Leavel and More at 54 Below in October

Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. See Linda Eder, Beth Leavel and more! See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
American Theater Group to Present MY ITALY STORY and PURLIE in 2024-25 Season

American Theater Group (ATG), Central NJ's professional regional theater company, will present the endearing My Italy Story by NJ playwright Joseph Gallo as its 2024-25 Season Opener, followed by the exhilarating and Tony Award-winning musical Purlie written by Ossie Davis, Philip Rose and Peter Udell with music by Gary Geld.
Tony Winner Melba Moore To Return To 54 Below in October

Tony winner and 3-time Grammy nominee Melba Moore will return to 54 Below this fall, featuring a mix of classic hits and new performances. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: BROADWAY SHOWSTOPPERS WITH GLENN ROSENBLUM Part 2 at CVRep

The anticipation is high as the audience fills up to near capacity while the Palm Springs weather outside hits double-digits and record-breaking temperatures. CVRep is a great way to get away from the heat and enjoy a cool evening of entertainment.
5 Facts About PURLIE VICTORIOUS

Before you enjoy the Great Performances production, check out these five fascinating facts about the history and recent production of this groundbreaking play.
Photos: Norm Lewis Concludes SUMMERTIME (Special Tony Edition) at 54 Below

Each night of Norm Lewis's SUMMERTIME show at 54 Below was a different kind of magic and, lucky me, living so nearby, I was able to capture all the award-winning guests and high-profile friends. So, here for Norm Lewis, who brought summer early to all of us at 54 Below, is a scrapbook of his seven nights and special guests, both on stage and off.
Review: Norm Lewis Brings a Touch of Broadway to 54 Below

This reviewer left the theater this night with the phenomenal music still humming in my head. The show continues its run on June 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13 at 54 Below with different guests each night, including Marc Shaiman, Alice Ripley, Will Swenson, Seth Rudetsky, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Nova Payton and Kimberly Akimbo’s Olivia Hardy.
Photos: Norm Lewis Brings SUMMERTIME (Special TONY Edition) to 54 Below

“The Heat is On” at 54 Below with a new show Norm Lewis is performing, called SUMMERTIME (Special TONY Edition). Check out photos here!
Stephen Schwartz, Brian Stokes Mitchell, And More To Join Norm Lewis' Summer Show

Join Norm Lewis for a spectacular summer show featuring special guests Melba Moore, Stephen Schwartz, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and more at 54 Below.
Review: TIMBUKTU! at The Black Rep

Packed with Borodin's music, and African rhythm and dance, romance, and humor that smacks of vaukdeville, this strange package has many delights.
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!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Melba Moore been in?

Melba Moore has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.

How many West End shows has Melba Moore been in?

Melba Moore has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Melba Moore been nominated for?

Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Purlie, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Purlie and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Purlie.

What awards has Melba Moore won?

Melba Moore has won the following awards: Outstanding Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for Purlie, Performance at the Theatre World Awards for Purlie, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Purlie.

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