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Melvin Abston

Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois

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Melvin Abston BIO

A Chicago native and current Harlem resident, Melvin has been seen or heard on Stage, TV/Film, Radio and recordings for over 30 years. Some of his favorite stage performances include the Broadway revival of Death of A Salesman with Wendell Pierce, Sharon D. Clarke and André DeShields where he became one of two Black Men ever to play Willy Loman on Broadway, Sister Act, Skittles Commercial: The Broadway Musical alongside Michael C. Hall, Disney’s The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, as well as MLK in All The Way and James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner. Some of his television appearances include NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU”, CBS’s “Blue Bloods”, FOX’s “Gotham”, “Touch” and “Raising Hope”, and recurring characters on ABC’s hit series “Grey’s Anatomy”, Showtime’s “Weeds” and Warner Premier/Bad Robot’s “H+: The Digital Series”. Melvin’s voice has been featured in Rosemary and Thyme; A Podcast Musical, The Illinois Lottery, Verizon, A Lion King Christmas album, South Park Studios and other animated projects. Selected theatre credits include The World Famous Apollo Theatre’s New Work Salon Series, Roundabout Theatre, Ars Nova, Pasadena Playhouse, 5th Avenue, Baltimore Center Stage, Milwaukee Rep, ZACH Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Drury Lane and The Goodman Theatre. A proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA, Melvin is an even prouder Father to Jaron, Stevie and Kae!

Melvin Abston Photos

Melvin Abston STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2023
Gitlow Judson (Understudy)

[US Tour]
US National Tour, 2012
Curtis Jackson

[Chicago]
Chicago Production, 2003
Banzai


Melvin Abston Videos

Melvin Abston News


Video: PURLIE VICTORIOUS Takes its Final Bows on Broadway


This weekend, Purlie Victorious took its final bow at the Music Box Theatre following 23 previews and 151 regular performances. The final show took place on February 4. Check out a video of the final curtain call here!

2 Broadway Shows Close Today


Purlie Victorious takes its final bow at the Music Box Theatre following 23 previews and 151 regular performances; and Harmony will conclude its run at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre following 28 previews and 96 regular performances.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adrienne Warren, and Melba Moore Join Talkback Series at PURLIE VICTORIOUS


A slew of stars are joining the lineup for 'Victorious Talkbacks' the series of post-show events following performances of the Broadway revival of the American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by Ossie Davis starring Leslie Odom, Jr.

Video: Watch an All New Montage of PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway


Watch a montage of Purlie Victorious on Broadway, starring Leslie Odom Jr. & more!

Billy Porter, Nicole Ari Parker, James Ijames, and More Set For PURLIE VICTORIOUS Talkback Series


The new Broadway production Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by Ossie Davis starring Leslie Odom, Jr. will host a post-show talkback series this fall at the Music Box Theatre.

Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares His Daughter's Reaction to PURLIE VICTORIOUS on FALLON


Leslie Odom Jr. sat down with Jimmy Fallon to discuss his return to Broadway in Purlie Victorious. Odom Jr. said he had a 'different schedule' the last time he was on Broadway in Hamilton, since he now has two young children. He shared his daughter's thoughts on his new play, revealing one scene in the show that shocked her. Watch the video!

PURLIE VICTORIOUS Extends Broadway Run


Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by the legendary Ossie Davis starring Leslie Odom, Jr. has announced an extension of its critically claimed Broadway run.

PURLIE VICTORIOUS to Offer $15 Tickets to NYC High School Students Through Ticketing Initiative


Discover how PURLIE VICTORIOUS is giving NYC high school students the chance to see this incredible musical with a new student ticket initiative. Find out how to take advantage of this limited-time offer and experience the magic of PURLIE VICTORIOUS in New York City.

Photos: Director Kenny Leon Gets His Sardi's Portrait


Check out photos of Tony winning director Kenny Leon's new caricature unveiling at Sardi's!

Photos: The Cast of PURLIE VICTORIOUS Walks the Red Carpet on Opening Night!


Check out photos of the cast of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch as they walk the red carpet on opening night!

Review Roundup: Leslie Odom Jr. Stars In PURLIE VICTORIOUS On Broadway!


Read reviews for Purlie Victorious on Broadway starring Tony Award-winner, Leslie Odom Jr.! 

Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares Why PURLIE VICTORIOUS Is a 'Very Rare Piece'


Ahead of the opening night of Purlie Victorious, Leslie Odom Jr. appeared on CBS Mornings to discuss why the play is a 'very rare piece.' Odom Jr. also discussed why the play is 'meant to be seen' and not read, how he identifies with the character, and being a producer on the show with his wife, Nicolette Robinson. Watch the video!

Photos: First Look at Leslie Odom, Jr. & More in PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway


Get a first look at Leslie Odom Jr. and more in PURLIE VICTORIOUS: A Non-Confederate Romp Through The Cotton Patch. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Samuel L. Jackson, Phylicia Rashad, Kerry Washington & More Join PURLIE VICTORIOUS as Producers


Don't miss out on the exciting collaboration between Hollywood heavyweights Samuel L. Jackson, Phylicia Rashad, Kerry Washington, and others for the upcoming Broadway production of PURLIE VICTORIOUS. Get all the details about this highly anticipated musical that is set to make a splash on the theater scene.

Meet the Cast of PURLIE VICTORIOUS, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!


The first Broadway revival of the American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by legendary Ossie Davis will officially open on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at The Music Box Theatre. Meet the cast of Purlie Victorious here!

Review: B Street Theatre's BROKE-OLOGY Reminds Us of Our Riches


The most shocking thing about getting older is that everyone else is getting older, too. Our parents, who once seemed so strong and commanding, reverse their roles and become the dependents. How do we care for them as they once cared for us? How do we find a balance between duty to them and staying true to ourselves? These are central themes explored in Nathan Louis Jackson’s Broke-ology, now playing at the B Street Theatre.

Mister Fitzgerald to Star in Apollo Salon Series Reading of Afrika Brown's THE FIGHT


An invitation-only reading of Afrika Brown’s new play, The Fight, will be presented as a part of The Apollo Salon Series in Manhattan on Friday, March 17th. The Apollo Salon Series, a part of The Apollo New Works initiative, provides development support for contemporary new work across artistic disciplines. The series expands on The Apollo’s tradition of nurturing artists and projects by providing a one-week residency.

Walter Russell III, Cedric Lemar & More to Lead SLIPPIN' THROUGH THE CRACKS Developmental Reading


A developmental reading of Slippin’ Through the Cracks, the new musical about the legendary bluesman, Bobby Rush, will be presented to an invitation-only industry audience in New York City in March. See who is starring!

DEATH OF A SALESMAN Sets Rush Ticket Policy; Complete Cast Announced


Broadway's upcoming production of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman announced it will offer day-of $35 rush tickets via TodayTix.

Review: ABCD at Barrington Stage Company


At two very different public schools in the same city — an underserved school on the verge of shutdown, and an elite magnet program nearby — pressure to perform well on standardized tests drives students and teachers to compromise their integrity. Kudos to Artistic Director, Julie Ann Boyd and the team at Barrington Stage Company for giving yet another new promising playwright and their highly relevant work life.

Melvin Abston FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Melvin Abston been in?

Melvin Abston has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Melvin Abston been in?

Melvin Abston has not appeared in the West End.

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