Over the years, Broadway has undergone significant changes in its representation of diversity and inclusivity. As societal views evolved, so have the stories depicted on Broadway stages, moving away from one-dimensional archetypes toward richer, more realistic portrayals of all individuals. Shows such as A Raisin in the Sun and The Lion King have challenged conventional norms and broken new ground with the prominent roles assumed by black women and the critical acclaim they have garnered. In 2024, there is a new wave of young black women set to make their own mark on the theatre world.
Maleah Joi Moon in Hell’s Kitchen: Coming of Age in the Urban Jungle
From 16-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys comes the new Broadway show Hell’s Kitchen. Set in the eponymous neighborhood in the mid-'90s, the musical tells the story of Ali, a 17-year-old girl navigating growing up in NYC, her first love, and a complicated relationship with her mother. Directed by four-time Tony Award® nominee Michael Greif and featuring Alicia Keys’s original songs, Hell’s Kitchen is a story of joy and self-discovery.
The cast of Hell’s Kitchen is led by Maleah Joy Moon. Born and raised in New Jersey, Moon was first introduced to Alicia Keys’s music by her father before she was even born, as he would often play Keys’s hits while Maleah’s mom was pregnant with their daughter. Maleah first caught the theatre world's attention with her performance in the original Public Theatre run of Hell's Kitchen.
The story Keys brings to life centers around a biracial girl, the daughter of a Caucasian mother and a Black father, a narrative that, according to Keys, is rarely represented in the media. In an interview with Vibe, Keys said, “I was recognizing that there weren’t a lot of unique stories that we’re seeing of the Black experience in different ways.” And from the first moment she met Maleah, Keys knew this young actress was the one to bring this story to life.
Joy Woods and Jordan Tyson in The Notebook: A Timeless Tale Brought to the Broadway Stage
The Notebook is a new musical adaptation of Nicholas Sparks's beloved novel currently playing on Broadway. The production tells the love story of Allie and Noah, spanning decades of their lives. With an all-star creative team, including directors Michael Greif and Schele Williams and acclaimed singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, The Notebook is already getting praise from both critics and audiences.
One of the main characters, Allie, is a young woman from a wealthy family who falls in love with a poor young man named Noah. In the show, Allie is brought to life by not one but three actresses, each embodying a different phase of her life, providing a three-dimensional exploration of her evolution over the years.
Joy Woods, whose previous works include the off-Broadway production Little Shop of Horrors and playing Catherine Parr in SIX on Broadway, shines as Middle Allie. She candidly expresses her gratitude for the role, stating, "I'm genuinely grateful for the opportunities I've had this early in my career and for the privilege of working with such legendary figures."
Jordan Tyson takes on the part of young Allie. Known for her roles in off-Broadway productions like Folk Wandering and Sweetee the Musical, Tyson has previously taken part in workshops of The Notebook and now resumes her role in the Broadway run of the show.
Playwright Bekah Brunstetter and singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, the creators behind the musical adaptation of The Notebook, have made a deliberate choice to infuse the cast with diversity. They believe that the love story of Noah and Allie, while portrayed by white actors in the film, is not exclusive to any single race or culture. Brunstetter said, "Noah and Allie in the movie were white people. But their story happens to everybody." She emphasized that the emotions and experiences showcased in their story - falling in love, growing old, facing mortality - are universal human experiences.
Black Women on Broadway: Pioneering Inclusivity in Theatre
A notable force redefining the industry is Black Women on Broadway, an organization that supports young, underrepresented Black women in the theatre industry. Created in 2020 by Amber Iman, who recently starred in the Broadway show Lempicka, actress Danielle Brooks, and playwright Jocelyn Bioh, this initiative supports Black women in theatre with mentorship and fellowship opportunities, culminating in The Annual Black Women on Broadway Awards Celebration. Women of Color on Broadway is a similar organization that offers WOCoB College Preparatory, a tuition-free arts education program for POC girls from historically underrepresented minority groups and low-income families.
Each of us, as viewers and lovers of theatre, has a critical role to play in shaping the future of Broadway. The rise of Black female characters in lead roles is not a trend but an essential shift toward storytelling that reflects the diverse world we live in. Every ticket purchased and every show attended is a nod of support to these talented actresses who are boldly leading this change. Remember, your presence in the audience is a step toward supporting diversity on Broadway.