Tony-winning actor and producer LaChanze is expanding her role developing new work with the launch of a multimedia producing company titled LaChanze Productions. Through that banner, the Broadway favorite will develop new work for contemporary audiences with a focus on centering new voices. LaChanze will serve as the company's producer and managing director.
The move follows a journey with producing that began with 2022's Tony-winning Broadway revival of Topdog/Underdog. LaChanze has since worked on 2023 Best Musical Tony winner Kimberly Akimbo, Here Lies Love, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, and The Outsiders. Both Jaja's and The Outsiders are up for 2024 Tony Awards, with winners to be named at the June 16 ceremony.
LaChanze began her theatrical career as a performer, appearing in Uptown...It's Hot! and Dreamgirls before creating the role of Ti Moune in Once On This Island, her first major starring Broadway role. She won a Tony Award creating the role of Celie in the original production of The Color Purple, and was nominated for her work in Once On This Island, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, and Trouble in Mind.
LaChanze Productions launches with a full slate of works already in development. Reunion in Bartersville, a murder mystery set at a 50th high school class reunion, will hold a private industry reading at Signature Theatre in NYC June 13 with LaChanze's Once On This Island co-star Jerry Dixon directing. Nzinga Williams is serving as general manager.
Also in development are The Sea Witch, a look at the villain of The Little Mermaid; Gifted, about a teenager with the power to stop time; Love Warrior, a solo show from Daniel "Koa" Beaty (a project LaChanze is working on in collaboration with Vanessa V. Williams of Asé Enterprises); and Buena Vista Social Club, which is readying a possible Broadway run for this season after making its world premiere Off-Broadway at Atlantic Theater Company in 2023.
“Since 2009, I have wanted a seat on the other side of the table,” LaChanze shares in a statement. “As a career theatre professional, I have had the good fortune to witness all aspects of what it takes to build a successful theatrical production. My love for this industry coupled with my advocacy to develop new audiences has inspired me to launch LaChanze Productions. I hope to bring a unique perspective to each project we produce, and I look forward to continuing to build this company, nurture new productions, and bring on other passionate people to join me in this endeavor.”
Visit LaChanze-Productions.com.
