Brenda Braxton
Latest News on Brenda Braxton:
Photos: PYGMALION Cast Celebrates Opening Night (Nov 3, 2025)
Cast Set for GOTHAM ROGUES: THE UNAUTHORIZED BATMAN PARODY MUSICAL at Joe's Pub (Oct 20, 2025)
Photos: Inside Opening Night of Ari'el Stachel's OTHER (Oct 20, 2025)
Photos: PYGMALION Cast Celebrates Opening Night (Nov 3, 2025)
Cast Set for GOTHAM ROGUES: THE UNAUTHORIZED BATMAN PARODY MUSICAL at Joe's Pub (Oct 20, 2025)
Photos: Inside Opening Night of Ari'el Stachel's OTHER (Oct 20, 2025)
BIO
Brenda starred as Velma Kelly opposite Usher in Broadway's hit musical Chicago. Prior to that, she was featured on Broadway in the musical revue Smokey Joe's Cafe, that earned her a 1995 Tony Award nomination, the NAACP Theater Award, the city of Chicago's Jefferson Award and a Grammy Award for Best Cast Album. Other Broadway credits include Jelly's Last Jam, Cats, Legs Diamond and the original production of Dreamgirls. She received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 'Living the Dream' Award given by New York Gov. George Pataki and the Josephine Baker Award from the National Council of Negro Women for her work as founder of Leading Ladies Just for Teens, seminars geared to empowering teenage girls.In November 2006, she launched BBRAXTON; Exceptional Grooming for Exceptional Men, an upscale men's grooming salon in Harlem. The first salon of its kind, BBRAXTON offers men's grooming services for the discriminating customer.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2012
Clarity [Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Velma Kelly [Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1992
Ensemble/Other Roles
Too-Tight Nora
One of "The Crowd"
Ensemble/Other Roles
One of "The Crowd"
Too-Tight Nora
[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1987
Performer (Swing)
Edna Burke (Understudy)
Lorrell Robinson (Understudy)
One of "The Sweethearts" (Understudy)
Joanne (Understudy)
Charlene (Understudy)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
One of "The Sweethearts" (Unknown)
Charlene (Unknown)
One of "The Sweethearts" (Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
Charlene (Unknown)
One of "The Sweethearts" (Unknown)
Charlene (Unknown)
(Unknown)
One of "The Sweethearts" (Unknown)
Edna Burke (Unknown)
(Unknown)
Joanne (Unknown)
Edna Burke (Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
Joanne (Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
Lorrell Robinson (Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
One of "Les Style" [Replacement]
Charlene [Replacement]
[Replacement]
One of "Les Style" [Replacement]
Performer (Swing)
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Mushroom
Mushrooms
Mushroom
Mushrooms
Productions
Awards and Nominations
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Actor in a Play
Alan Alda, Glengarry Glen Ross
Helen Hayes Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production
Brenda BraxtonChicago
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Brenda Braxton , Smokey Joe's Cafe
Videos
VIDEO: Watch Broadway Unite for the BROADWAY BACKWARDS Finale!
by Nicole Rosky - 2021-04-01 09:38:52
VIDEO: ICYMI- Watch Broadway Unite for the SAVE BIRDLAND Fundraiser!
by Nicole Rosky - 2021-01-25 15:12:24
VIDEO: Beth Leavel Sings 'Everything's Coming Up Roses' at BEST IN SHOWS Benefit
by Linnae Medeiros - 2019-10-18 13:18:49
TV: Broadway Belts Out Kander & Ebb in Rehearsal for AND THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND Gala!
by Nicole Rosky - 2017-10-21 11:00:50
STAGE TUBE: VILLAIN: DEBLANKS - A Step-by-Step Guide to the Hilarity
by Stage Tube - 2015-10-16 20:24:59
TV: Annaleigh Ashford, Brenda Braxton & More Sing from Upcoming 54 Below Shows!
by Randy Rainbow - 2014-01-25 13:00:01
STAGE TUBE: First Look at Tom Hewitt, Brenda Braxton, Lindsay Roginski and More in Highlights of CHICAGO at Music Circus
by Christina Mancuso - 2013-08-24 09:28:52
STAGE TUBE: Brenda Braxton, Lindsay Roginski and More in CHICAGO at Music Circus - Highlights!
by Stage Tube - 2013-08-23 21:32:41
TV: COUGAR THE MUSCAL is on the Prowl at BROADWAY IN BRYANT PARK!
by Nicole Rosky - 2013-08-11 16:00:01
STAGE TUBE: Watch More Highlights from Paper Mill Playhouse's THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE!
by Nicole Rosky - 2013-04-11 16:58:22
TV: Beat the Drum! Here Comes THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE at Paper Mill Playhouse- Watch a Performance Preview!
by Nicole Rosky - 2013-04-07 08:02:10
STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at Laurie Veldheer, Ashley Kate Adams and More in Paper Mill's THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
by Stage Tube - 2013-03-27 17:09:15
News
Photos: PYGMALION Cast Celebrates Opening Night
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Nov 3, 2025
Gingold Theatrical Group is now presenting the classic play, Pygmalion. The five-week limited engagement continues at Theatre Row’s Theater 5 through November 22. Check out photos from opening night here!
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Nov 3, 2025
Gingold Theatrical Group is now presenting the classic play, Pygmalion. The five-week limited engagement continues at Theatre Row’s Theater 5 through November 22. Check out photos from opening night here!
Cast Set for GOTHAM ROGUES: THE UNAUTHORIZED BATMAN PARODY MUSICAL at Joe's Pub
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 20, 2025
The full cast has been revealed for Paul Iacono and Marc Kudisch’s Gotham Rogues: The Unauthorized Batman Parody Musical at Joe's Pub. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 20, 2025
The full cast has been revealed for Paul Iacono and Marc Kudisch’s Gotham Rogues: The Unauthorized Batman Parody Musical at Joe's Pub. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Inside Opening Night of Ari'el Stachel's OTHER
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 20, 2025
OTHER, a new solo dramedy written and performed by Tony Award and GRAMMY Award winner Ari’el Stachel, officially opened on Sunday, October 19 at the Greenwich House Theatre. Check out photos from the opening night celebration here!
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 20, 2025
OTHER, a new solo dramedy written and performed by Tony Award and GRAMMY Award winner Ari’el Stachel, officially opened on Sunday, October 19 at the Greenwich House Theatre. Check out photos from the opening night celebration here!
Burke Moses, Marc Kudisch, Lauren Molina Will Lead Batman Parody Musical
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 24, 2025
JOE’S PUB will present the world premiere of Paul Iacono and Marc Kudisch’s Gotham Rogues: The Unauthorized Batman Parody Musical for one night only. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 24, 2025
JOE’S PUB will present the world premiere of Paul Iacono and Marc Kudisch’s Gotham Rogues: The Unauthorized Batman Parody Musical for one night only. Learn more!
Photos: Cast Of Gingold Theatrical Group’s PYGMALION Meet The Press
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Sep 24, 2025
Gingold Theatrical Group will present Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion at Theatre Row from October 22 to November 22, 2025. Starring Synnøve Karlsen in her New York theatrical debut alongside Mark Evans, the production is adapted and directed by David Staller in celebration of GTG’s 20th anniversary. See photos of the cast!
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Sep 24, 2025
Gingold Theatrical Group will present Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion at Theatre Row from October 22 to November 22, 2025. Starring Synnøve Karlsen in her New York theatrical debut alongside Mark Evans, the production is adapted and directed by David Staller in celebration of GTG’s 20th anniversary. See photos of the cast!
Photos: Inside the After Party For HELLO, DOLLY! at Carnegie Hall
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 26, 2025
Earlier this week, Dolly took the stage at Carnegie Hall. Transport Group presented a one-night-only concert of Hello, Dolly! BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the after party here!
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 26, 2025
Earlier this week, Dolly took the stage at Carnegie Hall. Transport Group presented a one-night-only concert of Hello, Dolly! BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the after party here!
Photos: The Classical Theatre Of Harlem Hosts Star-Studded HOLD 'EM IN HARLEM
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2025
Last week (May 22nd), The Classical Theatre of Harlem welcomed artists, philanthropists, and poker lovers to the seventh annual Hold ‘Em in Harlem fundraiser—a high-energy evening of Texas Hold ’Em, community, and culture held at the stunning Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel. Check out photos from the event.
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2025
Last week (May 22nd), The Classical Theatre of Harlem welcomed artists, philanthropists, and poker lovers to the seventh annual Hold ‘Em in Harlem fundraiser—a high-energy evening of Texas Hold ’Em, community, and culture held at the stunning Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel. Check out photos from the event.
Photos: LIGHTS OUT: NAT "KING" COLE Opens At New York Theatre Workshop
by A.A. Cristi - May 22, 2025
New York Theatre Workshop is now presenting Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole, written by Tony and Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo and NYTW Artistic Director and Usual Suspect Patricia McGregor, and directed by McGregor. Check out photos from opening night.
by A.A. Cristi - May 22, 2025
New York Theatre Workshop is now presenting Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole, written by Tony and Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo and NYTW Artistic Director and Usual Suspect Patricia McGregor, and directed by McGregor. Check out photos from opening night.
New Light Theater Project to Present MYSTIC CONVERSATIONS at Theatre Row
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2025
With 'Mystic Conversations,' a play based on real events, playwright Julia Barry Bell hopes to spark discussions on faith, family, and the need for understanding the phenomenon of psychic children. Performances are set at Theatre Row. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2025
With 'Mystic Conversations,' a play based on real events, playwright Julia Barry Bell hopes to spark discussions on faith, family, and the need for understanding the phenomenon of psychic children. Performances are set at Theatre Row. Learn more!
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!
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!
Photos: Andrew Rannells, Nikki M. James & More in FINN Benefit Concert
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 18, 2025
Stars in the House just commemorated its fifth anniversary with a very special live, and of course livestreamed, show, teaming up with FINN creators Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond to present a star-studded one-night-only concert performance of FINN. Check out photos from the concert here!
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 18, 2025
Stars in the House just commemorated its fifth anniversary with a very special live, and of course livestreamed, show, teaming up with FINN creators Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond to present a star-studded one-night-only concert performance of FINN. Check out photos from the concert here!
Video: FINN Takes the Stage at Town Hall
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 17, 2025
Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson teamed up with FINN creators Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond to present a one-night-only performance that also celebrated the fifth anniversary of Stars in the House. Watch the full show here!
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 17, 2025
Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson teamed up with FINN creators Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond to present a one-night-only performance that also celebrated the fifth anniversary of Stars in the House. Watch the full show here!
Michael Urie, Charlotte D'Amboise, Nina West & More Join FINN Performance at Town Hall
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 12, 2025
Michael Urie, Charlotte D’Amboise, Nina West, Peppermint, Adam Pascal, Brenda Braxton, and Zachary Noah Piser have joined the star-studded cast of the special performance of FINN taking place on Monday, March 17.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 12, 2025
Michael Urie, Charlotte D’Amboise, Nina West, Peppermint, Adam Pascal, Brenda Braxton, and Zachary Noah Piser have joined the star-studded cast of the special performance of FINN taking place on Monday, March 17.
Norm Lewis, André De Shields, & More Nominated for 2025 MAC Awards - See the Full List
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 6, 2025
The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has revealed the 39th Annual MAC Awards. Check out the full list of nominees, which includes Norm Lewis, André De Shield, and more!
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 6, 2025
The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has revealed the 39th Annual MAC Awards. Check out the full list of nominees, which includes Norm Lewis, André De Shield, and more!
Photos: CHICAGO's Bianca Marroquín Receives Sardi's Caricature
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 24, 2025
Bianca Marroquín, who recently starred in Chicago on Broadway, has received her caricature at the iconic Sardi's! BroadwayWorld was there for the unveiling of her portrait and you can check out photos here!
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 24, 2025
Bianca Marroquín, who recently starred in Chicago on Broadway, has received her caricature at the iconic Sardi's! BroadwayWorld was there for the unveiling of her portrait and you can check out photos here!
THE WAITING ROOM Comes to Hamilton Stage
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025
American Theater Group will present the premiere reading of Paul Marsh’s new comedy The Waiting Room as part of its free Monday Night Play Reading Series in February.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025
American Theater Group will present the premiere reading of Paul Marsh’s new comedy The Waiting Room as part of its free Monday Night Play Reading Series in February.
Video: Broadway Unites for Concert for America
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 20, 2025
Tune in for the Inauguration Day Concert for America event, which will raise funds for the California Community Foundation, an organization supporting wildfire recovery efforts to aid those most in need. Performers will include Cheyenne Jackson, Kelli O'Hara, Brian Stoke Mitchell, and more. Watch the full video here.
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 20, 2025
Tune in for the Inauguration Day Concert for America event, which will raise funds for the California Community Foundation, an organization supporting wildfire recovery efforts to aid those most in need. Performers will include Cheyenne Jackson, Kelli O'Hara, Brian Stoke Mitchell, and more. Watch the full video here.
CONCERT FOR AMERICA Expands to Los Angeles; Rachel Bay Jones, Cheyenne Jackson, & More Join
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 15, 2025
The Inauguration Day Concert for America event will now raise funds for the California Community Foundation, an organization supporting wildfire recovery efforts to aid those most in need. Newly joined talent appearances include Wayne Brady, Rachel Bay Jones, Cheyenne Jackson, Ingrid Michaelson, Richard Kind, and more.
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 15, 2025
The Inauguration Day Concert for America event will now raise funds for the California Community Foundation, an organization supporting wildfire recovery efforts to aid those most in need. Newly joined talent appearances include Wayne Brady, Rachel Bay Jones, Cheyenne Jackson, Ingrid Michaelson, Richard Kind, and more.
Jessica Vosk, Kelli O'Hara, Brian Stokes Mitchell & More to Join CONCERT FOR AMERICA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2025
Producers Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson's next Concert for America fundraising event will take place in January, featuring Jessica Vosk, Kelli O'Hara, Brian Stokes Mitchell and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2025
Producers Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson's next Concert for America fundraising event will take place in January, featuring Jessica Vosk, Kelli O'Hara, Brian Stokes Mitchell and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Honors Tom Viertel at 23rd Monte Cristo Award Gala
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2024
The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center presented the 23rd Monte Cristo Award to Chair Emeritus Tom Viertel, last night at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. Check out photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2024
The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center presented the 23rd Monte Cristo Award to Chair Emeritus Tom Viertel, last night at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. Check out photos here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Brenda Braxton been in?
Brenda Braxton has appeared on Broadway in 9 shows.
How many West End shows has Brenda Braxton been in?
Brenda Braxton has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Brenda Braxton been nominated for?
Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Glengarry Glen Ross , Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Chicago and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Smokey Joe's Cafe.
Videos