N’Kenge and a talented cast performed selections from the award-winning musical honoring Hollywood legend Dorothy Dandridge.
Dorothy Dandridge LLC and The N’Kenge Foundation recently presented two sold-out, invite-only readings of SPOTLIGHT! The Dorothy Dandridge Musical at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York City. Check out photos from the show.
The readings, held October 20 and 21, were produced by Broadway and film producer Willette Klausner and marked a major milestone for the acclaimed new musical as it moves toward its world premiere at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, February 20 – March 8, 2026.
The event featured Tony, Emmy, and GRAMMY®-nominated artist N’Kenge in the title role, joined by a cast of Broadway luminaries performing selections from the show.
A powerful new stage production celebrating the life, artistry, and resilience of Hollywood trailblazer Dorothy Dandridge, SPOTLIGHT! fuses breathtaking music, dazzling dance, and unforgettable storytelling to illuminate the legacy of the first Black woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. From her early performances at the Apollo to her groundbreaking rise in 1950s Hollywood, SPOTLIGHT! reimagines Dandridge’s story for a new generation—one defined by perseverance, glamour, and courage.
The creative team included Trey Ellis (book and lyrics, two-time Emmy Award winner), Shelton L. Becton (music and lyrics, Tony Award winner), Ray Mercer (The Lion King, choreography), and Everett Bradley (GRAMMY® nominee, arrangements). The reading was produced by Y. Dolly Fox, Perri Gillon, and Dawn Derow, with executive producers Willette Klausner, Richard Bell, and The N’Kenge Foundation.
The ensemble featured Tia Altinay, Felicia Bosewell, Ronnie Bowman Jr., Mark Campbell, Carrie Compere, Dawn Derow, Grace Field, Patrick Oliver Jones, James T. Lane, Alexander Rios, Ollice Spaulding, Jeremy Webb, Darnell Williams, NaTasha Yvette Williams, and Lavon Fischer-Wilson. The band included Deah Love Harriott (music director/piano), Katie Coleman (associate music director/key 2), Melissa Solcum (bass), and Shawn Dustin (drums).
Following its two sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall in July 2022—where the show earned standing ovations and three New York Theater Festival Awards including Best Musical, Best Director, and Best Choreographer—SPOTLIGHT! continues to build momentum toward its 2026 world premiere.
Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter- Keddy

Deah Love Harriott (Musical Director)

Christina Sajous (Director)

Dolly Fox (Producer)

Grace Fields

Tia Altinay, N'Kenge and Felicia Boswell

Ronnie S. Bowman Jr.

N'Kenge and Ronnie S. Bowman Jr.

Ronnie S. Bowman Jr.

N'Kenge and Ronnie S. Bowman Jr.

Grace Fields

Grace Fields and N'Kenge

Ollice Spaulding

Ollice Spaulding

Patrick Oliver Jones

N'Kenge and Jeremy Webb

Patrick Oliver Jones

Ray Mercer (Choreographer), Jeremy Webb, Mark Campbell, Dawn Derow and Ollice Spaulding

Dolly Fox, N'Kenge and Dawn Derow

Christina Sajous and Adam Koch (Scenic Designer)

Shelton L. Becton (Music and Lyrics)

Melissa Klausner (Bass)

Chris Burney and Dolly Fox

Morgan Eisen (Stage Manager)

Ronnie S. Bowman Jr.

Marissa Ghavami and Casey McSherry

Ron Dodd and Dolly Fox

Cast and Creative Members of Spotlight The Dorothy Dandridge Musical

Cast and Creative Members of Spotlight The Dorothy Dandridge Musical

Grace Fields, N'Kenge and Ollice Spaulding

Carrie Compere, Felicia Boswell, Deah Love Harriott, LaVon Fisher-Wilson, N'Kenge and Grace Fields

Shelton L. Becton and Deah Love Harriott

Perri Gillon and Sheraine Randall

Perri GIllon, N'Kenge and Eddie Datz

NaTasha Yvette Williams, Carrie Compere, Deah Love Harriott, Ronnie S. Bowman Jr, Felicia Boswell, N'Kenge, Christina Sajous and Ollice Spaulding

Michael T. Clarkston and N'Kenge

Deah Love Harriott, N'Kenge and Christina Sajous

Maxime Alvarez de Toledo and N'Kenge

N'Kenge and Grace Fields

Ronnie S. Bowman Jr., and N'Kenge
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