Brenda Braxton
Latest News on Brenda Braxton:
Review: AN EVENING WITH BROADWAY LEGEND LACHANZE Pure Magic at 54 Below (Sep 25, 2024)
Photos: Gingold Theatrical Group Gala Honors Lynn Ahrens and Steven Flaherty (Sep 25, 2024)
Photos: Stars Turn Out for Gingold Group's 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala (Sep 25, 2024)
Review: AN EVENING WITH BROADWAY LEGEND LACHANZE Pure Magic at 54 Below (Sep 25, 2024)
Photos: Gingold Theatrical Group Gala Honors Lynn Ahrens and Steven Flaherty (Sep 25, 2024)
Photos: Stars Turn Out for Gingold Group's 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala (Sep 25, 2024)
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
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STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2012
Clarity [Replacement]
Clarity [Replacement]
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]
[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, 1992
Ensemble/Other Roles
Too-Tight Nora
One of "The Crowd"
[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, 1981
One of "Les Style" [Replacement]
Charlene [Replacement]
Performer (Swing)
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: Beth Leavel Sings 'Everything's Coming Up Roses' at BEST IN SHOWS Benefit
by Linnae Medeiros - Oct 18, 2019
TV: Broadway Belts Out Kander & Ebb in Rehearsal for AND THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND Gala!
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 21, 2017
TV: Annaleigh Ashford, Brenda Braxton & More Sing from Upcoming 54 Below Shows!
by Randy Rainbow - Jan 25, 2014
STAGE TUBE: First Look at Tom Hewitt, Brenda Braxton, Lindsay Roginski and More in Highlights of CHICAGO at Music Circus
by Christina Mancuso - Aug 24, 2013
STAGE TUBE: Brenda Braxton, Lindsay Roginski and More in CHICAGO at Music Circus - Highlights!
by Stage Tube - Aug 23, 2013
STAGE TUBE: Watch More Highlights from Paper Mill Playhouse's THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 11, 2013
TV: Beat the Drum! Here Comes THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE at Paper Mill Playhouse- Watch a Performance Preview!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 7, 2013
STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at Laurie Veldheer, Ashley Kate Adams and More in Paper Mill's THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
by Stage Tube - Mar 27, 2013
News
Review: AN EVENING WITH BROADWAY LEGEND LACHANZE Pure Magic at 54 Below
In a benefit concert for the non-profit 54B, LaChanze demonstrates the value of cabaret.
In a benefit concert for the non-profit 54B, LaChanze demonstrates the value of cabaret.
Photos: Gingold Theatrical Group Gala Honors Lynn Ahrens and Steven Flaherty
Gingold Theatrical Group recently held its 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala. The evening honored Broadway composing team Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty with the Golden Shamrock Award for their tireless work as supporters of human rights and their artistic excellence in musical theater writing. Check out photos from inside the event here!
Gingold Theatrical Group recently held its 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala. The evening honored Broadway composing team Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty with the Golden Shamrock Award for their tireless work as supporters of human rights and their artistic excellence in musical theater writing. Check out photos from inside the event here!
Photos: Stars Turn Out for Gingold Group's 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala
See photos from inside the Gingold Theatrical Group 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala. The evening honored Broadway composing team Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty with the Golden Shamrock Award for their tireless work as supporters of human rights and their artistic excellence in musical theater writing.
See photos from inside the Gingold Theatrical Group 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala. The evening honored Broadway composing team Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty with the Golden Shamrock Award for their tireless work as supporters of human rights and their artistic excellence in musical theater writing.
Amber Iman, Jennifer Damiano, Brenda Braxton, And More Join New Musical BEAPART Reading
Tony-nominees Amber Iman (Lempicka), Jennifer Damiano (Next to Normal), and Brenda Braxton (Smokey Joe's Cafe), alongside Marcus Paul James (Ain't Too Proud), Marcus M. Martin (Aladdin), Jaime Cepero (SMASH) and The Voice finalist Brooke Simpson (1776), are set to lead the cast of BeAPart, a new musical about chosen family, gentrification, returning home, and the sweet, smoky love of barbecue.
Tony-nominees Amber Iman (Lempicka), Jennifer Damiano (Next to Normal), and Brenda Braxton (Smokey Joe's Cafe), alongside Marcus Paul James (Ain't Too Proud), Marcus M. Martin (Aladdin), Jaime Cepero (SMASH) and The Voice finalist Brooke Simpson (1776), are set to lead the cast of BeAPart, a new musical about chosen family, gentrification, returning home, and the sweet, smoky love of barbecue.
Brenda Braxton & Santino Fontana to Perform at Gingold Theatrical Group Gala
Gingold Theatrical Group has revealed performers for the 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala. See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.
Gingold Theatrical Group has revealed performers for the 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala. See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.
70+ Broadway Stars Unite in Support of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
New York’s theater community is organizing to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election. Broadway for Harris is a volunteer coalition of industry professionals and theater enthusiasts united to elect Kamala Harris, Tim Walz and down ballot Democratic candidates this November.
New York’s theater community is organizing to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election. Broadway for Harris is a volunteer coalition of industry professionals and theater enthusiasts united to elect Kamala Harris, Tim Walz and down ballot Democratic candidates this November.
The CAMPAIGN FOR KAMALA FUNDRAISING SHOW Comes to Don't Tell Mama in September
The CAMPAIGN FOR KAMALA FUNDRAISING SHOW will be on Saturday, September 28, 4 PM at Don’t Tell Mama (343 W 46th St, NYC).
The CAMPAIGN FOR KAMALA FUNDRAISING SHOW will be on Saturday, September 28, 4 PM at Don’t Tell Mama (343 W 46th St, NYC).
Joe Iconis & Family, Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp, and More to Play 54 Below
Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. Check out the full lineup here!
Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. Check out the full lineup here!
GRUMPY OLD MEN World Premiere Recording Out Now
Center Stage Records has released the world premiere recording of GRUMPY OLD MEN, the new musical by Dan Remmes, Neil Berg and Nick Meglin. Listen now!
Center Stage Records has released the world premiere recording of GRUMPY OLD MEN, the new musical by Dan Remmes, Neil Berg and Nick Meglin. Listen now!
Photos: Inside Amas Musical Theatre's 55th Annual Benefit Gala Concert
Check out photos from Amas Musical Theatre's gala! See who was in attendance and learn more about the honorees.
Check out photos from Amas Musical Theatre's gala! See who was in attendance and learn more about the honorees.
See 54 SINGS JONI MITCHELL, Linda Eder & More Next Week at 54 Below
See who is performing at 54 Below next week! Learn more about the performances and see how to purchase tickets.
See who is performing at 54 Below next week! Learn more about the performances and see how to purchase tickets.
Stars In The House To Livestream THE BROADWAY SITZPROBE EXPERIENCE: SHE LOVES ME On May 6
On May 6, from 7 PM ET to 10 PM ET, Stars in the House, the award-winning streaming variety/fundraising show co-hosted by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson, will livestream The Broadway Sitzprobe Experience: She Loves Me.
On May 6, from 7 PM ET to 10 PM ET, Stars in the House, the award-winning streaming variety/fundraising show co-hosted by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson, will livestream The Broadway Sitzprobe Experience: She Loves Me.
Review: Backstage Babble Uncovers Broadway Flop History at 54 Below
Not every Broadway show is a smash. A focus on 14 hidden gems from shows that disappeared too quickly fueled an entertaining evening at 54 Below last Sunday on April 29th. Hosted by Charles Kirsch of Backstage Babble podcast and Robert W. Schneider, the evening was a success.
Not every Broadway show is a smash. A focus on 14 hidden gems from shows that disappeared too quickly fueled an entertaining evening at 54 Below last Sunday on April 29th. Hosted by Charles Kirsch of Backstage Babble podcast and Robert W. Schneider, the evening was a success.
Photos: Stars Walk the Yellow Carpet on Opening Night of THE WIZ on Broadway
The Wiz officially opened at the Marquis Theatre and the best of broadway was on hand for the celebration. Check out photos of special guests, including original stars Stephanie Mills and Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, Andy Cohen, Tamron Hall, Leslie Uggams, and many more!
The Wiz officially opened at the Marquis Theatre and the best of broadway was on hand for the celebration. Check out photos of special guests, including original stars Stephanie Mills and Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, Andy Cohen, Tamron Hall, Leslie Uggams, and many more!
Interview: Backstage Babble's Charles Kirsch Is Celebrating Flops at 54 Below
Charles Kirsch's podcast, Backstage Babble, gives a behind the scenes look at Broadway shows and the theater industry. On Monday April 29th at 7 pm, Kirsch will be hosting a special event at 54 Below paying tribute to 14 shows on the iconic “flop wall” at Joe Allen Restaurant with shows including Merrily We Roll Along, Nick and Nora, and Kelly.
Charles Kirsch's podcast, Backstage Babble, gives a behind the scenes look at Broadway shows and the theater industry. On Monday April 29th at 7 pm, Kirsch will be hosting a special event at 54 Below paying tribute to 14 shows on the iconic “flop wall” at Joe Allen Restaurant with shows including Merrily We Roll Along, Nick and Nora, and Kelly.
Feature: Meet 54 Below's Newest Board Members
54 Below recently welcomed six new members to their distinguished board of directors. We asked them a few questions to get to know them a bit better. Meet James Gunderson, Tom Hood, Howard Lee Morgan, Brian Kaltner, Lee H. Perlman and Susan L Raanan!
54 Below recently welcomed six new members to their distinguished board of directors. We asked them a few questions to get to know them a bit better. Meet James Gunderson, Tom Hood, Howard Lee Morgan, Brian Kaltner, Lee H. Perlman and Susan L Raanan!
Brenda Braxton, Amanda Green & More to Join BACKSTAGE BABBLE CELEBRATES JOE ALLEN RESTAURANT
54 BELOW will present a special edition of Backstage Babble Live celebrating the iconic wall of Broadway flop posters at Joe Allen Restaurant. Learn how to purchase tickets.
54 BELOW will present a special edition of Backstage Babble Live celebrating the iconic wall of Broadway flop posters at Joe Allen Restaurant. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Liz Callaway, Hugh Panaro & More to Join Amas Musical Theatre Benefit Concert
Amas Musical Theatre has revealed the line-up of talent that will be on hand to celebrate the company's 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert. Learn more about the gala and see how to purchase tickets.
Amas Musical Theatre has revealed the line-up of talent that will be on hand to celebrate the company's 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert. Learn more about the gala and see how to purchase tickets.
54 Below Announces the Appointment of New Board Members
54 Below, the celebrated Times Square cabaret venue that is the recipient of a 2022 TONY AWARDS Special Honor for Excellence in the Theater, has announced new board members. James Gunderson, Tom Hood, Howard Lee Morgan, Brian Kaltner, Lee H. Perlman and Susan L Raanan have joined the award-winning supper club board, effective immediately.
54 Below, the celebrated Times Square cabaret venue that is the recipient of a 2022 TONY AWARDS Special Honor for Excellence in the Theater, has announced new board members. James Gunderson, Tom Hood, Howard Lee Morgan, Brian Kaltner, Lee H. Perlman and Susan L Raanan have joined the award-winning supper club board, effective immediately.
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!
The Manhattan Association of Cabarets has revealed the 2024 MAC Award nominees. See who was nominated!
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?
Brenda Braxton has received several nominations, including Outstanding Actor in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Glengarry Glen Ross. She was also nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for Chicago. Additionally, she received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Smokey Joe's Cafe.
Videos