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Brenda Braxton

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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

Pygmalion
[Off-Broadway]
2025
Ensemble ()
Caesar and Cleopatra Caesar and Cleopatra
[Off-Broadway]
Gingold Theatre Group Off-Broadway Production, 2019
Ftatateeta
Grumpy Old Men Grumpy Old Men
[Regional (US)]
US Premiere, 2018
Sandra Snyder
Cougar the Musical Cougar the Musical
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2012
Clarity [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Love, Loss, and What I Wore Love, Loss, and What I Wore
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]
House of Flowers
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2003
Gladiola
Little Ham
[Off-Broadway]
2002
Performer
Kept
[]
World Premiere, 2002
Brigitte
Chicago Chicago
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Velma Kelly [Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
Smokey Joe's Cafe
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1995
Performer
Jelly's Last Jam
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1992
Ensemble/Other Roles
Too-Tight Nora
One of "The Crowd"
Legs Diamond
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Madge
Dreamgirls
[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1987
Performer (Swing)
One of "The Sweethearts" (Understudy)
Lorrell Robinson (Understudy)
Joanne (Understudy)
Edna Burke (Understudy)
Charlene (Understudy)
Cats
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Demeter [Replacement]
Dreamgirls
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
One of "Les Style" [Replacement]
Charlene [Replacement]
Performer (Swing)
Reggae
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Alternate
But Never Jam Today
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Mushroom
Mushrooms

Productions

Dreamgirls
 
[US Tour, 2004]
Choreographer
Dreamgirls
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Choreographer
Director
Dreamgirls
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Dance Captain
Dreamgirls
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Dance Captain
Lena Horne: "The Lady and Her Music"
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Production Assistant

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

More Videos

News


Photos: PYGMALION Cast Celebrates Opening Night Photo
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!
Cast Set for GOTHAM ROGUES: THE UNAUTHORIZED BATMAN PARODY MUSICAL at Joe's Pub Photo
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.
Photos: Cast Of Gingold Theatrical Group’s PYGMALION Meet The Press Photo
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!
Photos: The Classical Theatre Of Harlem Hosts Star-Studded HOLD 'EM IN HARLEM Photo
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.
New Light Theater Project to Present MYSTIC CONVERSATIONS at Theatre Row Photo
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!
Michael Urie, Charlotte D'Amboise, Nina West & More Join FINN Performance at Town Hal Photo
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.
Photos: CHICAGO's Bianca Marroquín Receives Sardi's Caricature Photo
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!
THE WAITING ROOM Comes to Hamilton Stage Photo
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.
Video: Broadway Unites for Concert for America Photo
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.
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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.

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