Leslie Uggams to Take on Title Role in Colman Domingo's DOT Off-Broadway at Vineyard; Susan Stroman to Direct!

BroadwayWorld has learned that Leslie Uggams -- the Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress who has been opening doors for African-American actors for five decades --- will perform the title role in the NY debut of Colman Domingo's newest play, DOT, at Vineyard Theatre (108 E. 15 St.) beginning February 4, 2016 and opening February 23.

A standout at the Humana Festival of Plays earlier this year at the Actors Theater of Louisville, The Vineyard's production of DOT will be helmed by the Tony Award-winning director Susan Stroman (THE PRODUCERS). Ms. Stroman previously directed Mr. Domingo as an actor in THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS on Broadway, Off-Broadway (at Vineyard Theatre), and in London.

In DOT, Ms. Uggams portrays family matriarch Dotty, whose three adult children gather for the holidays with more than exchanging presents on their minds. As Dotty struggles to navigate life with dementia, her children fight to balance care for their mother and care for themselves. This hilarious and moving new play grapples unforgettably with aging parents, midlife crises, and the heart of an inner city neighborhood.
Joining Ms. Uggams in the cast of DOT are Sharon Washington (THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS), Stephen Conrad Moore ("Empire"), Libya V. Pugh (THE BLUEST EYE), Colin Hanlon ("Modern Family"), and Michael Rosen (ON THE TOWN).

Leslie Uggams -- who won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for HALLELUJAH BABY! in 1968 and an Emmy Award for "Fantasy" -- had been a child actress on television before she was launched into stardom in the 60's on the popular TV series "Sing Along With Mitch," eventually becoming the first African-American woman to headline her own variety TV show, "The Leslie Uggams Show." She is best-known for her Emmy-nominated performance in Alex Haley's "Roots" and the miniseries "Backstairs at the White House." On Broadway her credits include ON GOLDEN POND opposite James Earl Jones, BLUES IN THE NIGHT, August Wilson's KING HEADLEY II and ANYTHING GOES at Lincoln Center. A prolific recording artist, Leslie Uggams has recorded 10 albums.

DOT is the newest play by actor/author Colman Domingo whose play A BOY AND HIS SOUL, about growing up amidst the soul sounds of Philly in the 70's, was a hit at Vineyard Theatre in 2009. Mr. Domingo is best-known as an actor on both Broadway and Off-Broadway stages, providing commanding performances in PASSING STRANGE and THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, recreating his performance for the recent West End production in London. On film, Mr. Domingo has had memorable roles in SELMA, THE BUTLER and LINCOLN.

For more information, call the box office at (212) 353-0303 or visit www.vineyardtheatre.org.