Brenda Braxton

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Brenda Braxton 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.

Brenda Braxton Photos

Brenda Braxton STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Gingold Theatre Group Off-Broadway Production, 2019
Ftatateeta

[Regional (US)]
US Premiere, 2018
Sandra Snyder

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2012
Clarity [Replacement]

Clarity [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2003
Gladiola

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Velma Kelly [Replacement]

Velma Kelly [Replacement]

Velma Kelly [Replacement]

Velma Kelly [Replacement]

Velma Kelly [Replacement]

Velma Kelly [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1995
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1992
Ensemble/Other Roles

Too-Tight Nora

One of "The Crowd"

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Madge

[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1987
Performer (Swing)

One of "The Sweethearts" (Understudy)

Lorrell Robinson (Understudy)

Joanne (Understudy)

Edna Burke (Understudy)

Charlene (Understudy)

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Demeter [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
One of "Les Style" [Replacement]

Charlene [Replacement]

Performer (Swing)

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Alternate

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Mushroom

Mushrooms

Brenda Braxton Productions

 
[US Tour, 2004]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Choreographer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Dance Captain
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Dance Captain
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Production Assistant

Brenda Braxton Videos

Brenda Braxton News


Liz Callaway, Billy Stritch & More Nominated for 2024 MAC Awards - See the Full List!

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets has revealed the 2024 MAC Award nominees. See who was nominated!

New Music Venue The Central Park Café Opens Across The Street From Carnegie Hall

The Central Park Café is bringing the finest in New York cabaret to their restaurant across the street from Carnegie Hall. Learn more about the venue!

Tony Award Nominee Brenda Braxton to Join Broadway Theatre Project Guest Faculty This Summer

Broadway performer Brenda Braxton will be joining the Guest Faculty this summer at the Broadway Theatre Project in Tampa, Florida.

Marcus Simeone & Tracy Stark Will Bring 'Twilight Canopy / Up, Up & Away: Some Of The Songs Of Jimmy Webb' to Don't Tell Mama Next Month

Bistro and MAC Award-winning performers Marcus Simeone and Tracy Stark take us on a journey through the music and career of songwriter Jimmy Webb, via solos and duets. This is the final NYC performance of a show directed by Lina Koutrakos.

Photos: Go Inside Black Theatre Coalition's BUILDING THE CHANGE Gala

Just last night, the Black Theatre Coalition hosted its Inaugural BTC Gala, celebrating entertainment professionals working in theater, film, television, cultural institutions, and music. Check out photos from inside the big night here!

Photos: See Krysta Rodriguez, Michael Urie & More at Out of the Box Theatrics' Season Launch Event

Out of the Box Theatrics unveiled its 2024-2025 mainstage productions with a launch event, hosted by Michael Urie, on January 29, 2024. See photos!

INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS World Premiere, SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE & More Set for Out of the Box Theatrics 2024-2025 Season

Out of the Box Theatrics has unveiled its 2024-2025 mainstage productions and additional programming for the company’s new home at 154 Christopher Street.

Michael Rider Brings 'This 'Ol House: Stories of a City Bear, Country Queen' to Chelsea Table and Stage

Singer, performer, coach, and voice teacher Michael Rider brings his journey from a dairy farm in Pennsylvania to the metropolis of NYC through stories and songs during his NYC cabaret debut in THIS ‘OL HOUSE: STORIES OF A CITY BEAR, COUNTRY QUEEN.

Out of the Box Theatrics to Present Building the Box Readings of TRASH by James Caverly and Andrew Merrill

Out of the Box Theatrics will present the first reading of the company’s Building the Box series of new plays. Learn details and see how to purchase tickets!

Krysta Rodriguez Joins Lineup For Launch Event To Announce Out Of The Box Theatrics' 2024-2025 Season

Krysta Rodriguez joins lineup for Out of the Box Theatrics' 2024-2025 season announcement event.

Michael Urie to Host Out of the Box Theatrics 2024-2025 Season Launch Event

Michael Urie (Broadway’s Spamalot, Torch Song, How to Succeed…) will host Out of the Box Theatrics' 2024-2025 season launch event on Monday, January 29, 2024.

Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Cabaret Awards; Voting Ends 12/31

It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Cabaret Awards; Current Live Standings

There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards Voting Update

It's the final 3 weeks and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 11th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards December 5th Standings; Leads Favorite Local Theatre!

It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Photos: The Gasp Collection

After four years at Broadway World Cabaret, quite a collection of photos has been amassed. These are the gasp-worthy pics.

Broadway Theatre Project to Present New Summer Intensive 'Shaping the Artist'

BROADWAY THEATRE PROJECT presents new summer intensive 'SHAPING THE ARTIST' this summer at the University of South Florida College of the Arts. Limited spots available. Apply now!

Original LEGS DIAMOND Cast Will Reunite at New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

On Monday, December 4, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts will host a reunion of the original cast of the Tony-nominated Broadway musical Legs Diamond.

Christopher Collette To Play The Laurie Beechman Theatre With COME FLY WITH ME

THE LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER will present up-and-coming Saloon Singer vocalist Christopher Collette and pianist, composer, music director Tracy Stark.

Photos: J. Harrison Ghee, Justin Guarini and More Step Out for the 2023 ONLY MAKE BELIEVE GALA Celebrating Brooke Shields

Actor Justin Guarini hosted the Only Make Believe Gala honoring Brooke Shields on Monday November 6 at the Broadhurst Theater featuring performances by Melinda Doolittle, J Harrison Ghee, Brad Oscar, A.J. Shively, Jessica Vosk, NaTasha Yvette Williams and special appearances by Alicia Quarles, Orfeh and Umbrella Lina. See photos from the red carpet!

Brenda Braxton FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Brenda Braxton has appeared on Broadway in 9 shows.

Brenda Braxton has not appeared in the West End.

Brenda Braxton has been nominated for several prestigious awards, including Outstanding Actor in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Glengarry Glen Ross," Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Chicago," and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Smokey Joe's Cafe."

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