Cheryl L. West
Latest News on Cheryl L. West:
Review: AKEELAH & THE BEE at The Ensemble Theatre (Sep 21, 2025)
Interview: Bria Washington of AKEELAH AND THE BEE at The Ensemble Theatre (Sep 12, 2025)
Video: 'Rocks in My Bed' from PLAY ON! at Signature Theatre (Sep 3, 2025)
Review: AKEELAH & THE BEE at The Ensemble Theatre (Sep 21, 2025)
Interview: Bria Washington of AKEELAH AND THE BEE at The Ensemble Theatre (Sep 12, 2025)
Video: 'Rocks in My Bed' from PLAY ON! at Signature Theatre (Sep 3, 2025)
Photos
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
Helen Hayes Awards - 2013 - Outstanding New Play or Musical
Cheryl L. WestPullman Porter Blues
winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1992 - The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play
Cheryl L. WestBefore It Hits Home
Videos
STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes of Goodman Theatre's GREAT WOMEN AT PLAY Series, Beg. Tonight
by Stage Tube - 2014-01-18 00:30:00
STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes of Goodman Theatre's GREAT WOMEN AT PLAY Series
by Stage Tube - 2013-10-21 18:39:58
TV: Cleavant Derricks, Larry Marshall and More in Highlights of Goodman Theatre's PULLMAN PORTER BLUES
by Christina Mancuso - 2013-09-19 06:51:53
TV: First Look at HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE, Starring Norbert Leo Butz and Elizabeth Reaser!
by Kelsey Denette - 2012-02-13 18:24:47
STAGE TUBE: MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD Company Talks New Primary Stages Production
by Jessica Lewis - 2011-08-29 11:15:10
News
Review: AKEELAH & THE BEE at The Ensemble Theatre
by Jonathan Netek - Sep 21, 2025
The opening of The Ensemble’s 49th season is a H-I-T!
by Jonathan Netek - Sep 21, 2025
The opening of The Ensemble’s 49th season is a H-I-T!
Interview: Bria Washington of AKEELAH AND THE BEE at The Ensemble Theatre
by Armando Urdiales - Sep 12, 2025
Bria Washington is stepping into the spotlight as the determined and big-hearted Akeelah in The Ensemble Theatre’s production of Akeelah and the Bee. Based on the beloved film, Cheryl L. West’s stage adaptation follows an 11-year-old girl from South Los Angeles who discovers her gift for spelling and, through it, the power of perseverance, self-belief, and community. For Washington, the role is both a challenge and a joy—one that resonates deeply with her own journey as an artist navigating new chapters in Houston.
by Armando Urdiales - Sep 12, 2025
Bria Washington is stepping into the spotlight as the determined and big-hearted Akeelah in The Ensemble Theatre’s production of Akeelah and the Bee. Based on the beloved film, Cheryl L. West’s stage adaptation follows an 11-year-old girl from South Los Angeles who discovers her gift for spelling and, through it, the power of perseverance, self-belief, and community. For Washington, the role is both a challenge and a joy—one that resonates deeply with her own journey as an artist navigating new chapters in Houston.
Video: 'Rocks in My Bed' from PLAY ON! at Signature Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Sep 3, 2025
Watch Wesley J. Barnes and Derrick D. Truby Jr. perform 'Rocks in My Bed' from PLAY ON! Signature Theatre is now presenting Play On!, a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Performances run through October 5, 2025 in Signature’s MAX Theatre.
by Joshua Wright - Sep 3, 2025
Watch Wesley J. Barnes and Derrick D. Truby Jr. perform 'Rocks in My Bed' from PLAY ON! Signature Theatre is now presenting Play On!, a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Performances run through October 5, 2025 in Signature’s MAX Theatre.
Interview: Theatre Life with Kanysha Williams
by Elliot Lanes - Aug 27, 2025
Today’s subject Kanysha Williams is currently living her theatre life onstage at Signature Theatre playing the role of Miss Mary in Play On!. The Duke Ellington/Shakespeare infused extravaganza runs through October 5th in Signature’s MAX space.
by Elliot Lanes - Aug 27, 2025
Today’s subject Kanysha Williams is currently living her theatre life onstage at Signature Theatre playing the role of Miss Mary in Play On!. The Duke Ellington/Shakespeare infused extravaganza runs through October 5th in Signature’s MAX space.
Review: PLAY ON! at Signature Theatre
by David Friscic - Aug 23, 2025
Twenty-three songs from the catalogue of the legendary composer and musician Duke Ellington creatively exploding with swinging energy or calming with mellow moods are enough to make one’s mind spin ---but combine this with a creative book by Cheryl L. West (the project was conceived by Sheldon Epps) that is based on playwright William Shakespeare’s famous comedy Twelfth Night, and you have hit the merriment mother lode courtesy of the Signature Theatre.
by David Friscic - Aug 23, 2025
Twenty-three songs from the catalogue of the legendary composer and musician Duke Ellington creatively exploding with swinging energy or calming with mellow moods are enough to make one’s mind spin ---but combine this with a creative book by Cheryl L. West (the project was conceived by Sheldon Epps) that is based on playwright William Shakespeare’s famous comedy Twelfth Night, and you have hit the merriment mother lode courtesy of the Signature Theatre.
Video: First Look At PLAY ON! At Signature Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 22, 2025
A delightful musical based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits, Play On! is now running through October 5, 2025. See brand-new video of the show!
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 22, 2025
A delightful musical based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits, Play On! is now running through October 5, 2025. See brand-new video of the show!
Photos: PLAY ON! at Signature Theatre First Look Images
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 20, 2025
Signature Theatre is now presenting Play On!, a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Get a first look at photos here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 20, 2025
Signature Theatre is now presenting Play On!, a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Get a first look at photos here!
Video: Watch the Trailer For PLAY ON at Signature Theatre
by Michael Major - Aug 20, 2025
Signature Theatre has released the trailer for Play On!, a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night and set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Watch the new video now!
by Michael Major - Aug 20, 2025
Signature Theatre has released the trailer for Play On!, a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night and set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Watch the new video now!
Video: Signature's PLAY ON Cast Rehearses 'Take the A Train'
by Michael Major - Aug 6, 2025
Signature Theatre has a video inside rehearsals for Play On!, with the cast rehearsing 'Take The A Train.' Play On! is a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night and set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits.
by Michael Major - Aug 6, 2025
Signature Theatre has a video inside rehearsals for Play On!, with the cast rehearsing 'Take The A Train.' Play On! is a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night and set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits.
Cast and Creative Team Set for PLAY ON! at Signature Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 16, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team for Play On!, conceived by Sheldon Epps. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 16, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team for Play On!, conceived by Sheldon Epps. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets here!
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, IN CLAY World Premiere & More Announced For Signature Theatre 2025/2026 Season
by Joshua Wright - May 6, 2025
Signature Theatre has announced its 2025–2026 season, featuring new productions of Fiddler on the Roof and Pippin, the world premiere of In Clay, and the DC premieres of Strategic Love Play and What Became of Us. Full season listings included.
by Joshua Wright - May 6, 2025
Signature Theatre has announced its 2025–2026 season, featuring new productions of Fiddler on the Roof and Pippin, the world premiere of In Clay, and the DC premieres of Strategic Love Play and What Became of Us. Full season listings included.
Review: PLAY ON!, Lyric Hammersmith
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Feb 3, 2025
During these dark and cold nights, something magical is happening on stage at the Lyric Hammersmith. Play On! was originally created by director Sheldon Epps and writer Cheryl L. West back in 1997, transferring from San Diego to Broadway. Talawa theatre company have stripped the show back and have created a truly joyful production to delight the most curmudgeonly of audiences.
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Feb 3, 2025
During these dark and cold nights, something magical is happening on stage at the Lyric Hammersmith. Play On! was originally created by director Sheldon Epps and writer Cheryl L. West back in 1997, transferring from San Diego to Broadway. Talawa theatre company have stripped the show back and have created a truly joyful production to delight the most curmudgeonly of audiences.
La Jolla Playhouse Reveals Projects for 2024 DNA New Work Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 12, 2024
La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the dates and projects for its 2024 DNA New Work Series, running in the Playhouse’s Rao and Padma Makineni Play Development Center. See full programming and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 12, 2024
La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the dates and projects for its 2024 DNA New Work Series, running in the Playhouse’s Rao and Padma Makineni Play Development Center. See full programming and see how to purchase tickets.
THE ARCHIVE: New Works By Black Women to Return to The Flea
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 10, 2024
The Archive: New Works by Black Women will return with a second installment, featuring staged readings by black female playwrights and directors. Learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 10, 2024
The Archive: New Works by Black Women will return with a second installment, featuring staged readings by black female playwrights and directors. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: In Rehearsal for the UK Premiere of New Shakespeare-Inspired Musical, PLAY ON!
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 7, 2024
See photos from inside rehearsal for the UK premiere of Play On!, the jazz-fuelled, Twelfth Night-inspired musical that will tour the UK from September 2024 – February 2025.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 7, 2024
See photos from inside rehearsal for the UK premiere of Play On!, the jazz-fuelled, Twelfth Night-inspired musical that will tour the UK from September 2024 – February 2025.
Baltimore Center Stage Announces Single Ticket Flash Sale
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 29, 2024
Baltimore Center Stage is offering a Flash Sale to celebrate the company's 2024/25 Season, the first programmed by Tony Award-nominee Stevie Walker-Webb in his new tenure as Artistic Director.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 29, 2024
Baltimore Center Stage is offering a Flash Sale to celebrate the company's 2024/25 Season, the first programmed by Tony Award-nominee Stevie Walker-Webb in his new tenure as Artistic Director.
Full Cast Set For PLAY ON! Opening At Coventry's Belgrade Theatre In September
by Stephi Wild - Jun 20, 2024
Casting has been announced for Play On!, a co-production with Talawa Theatre Company, that will open at the Belgrade Theatre 23 September – 5 October, with a national press night on Thursday 26 September, ahead of a UK tour.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 20, 2024
Casting has been announced for Play On!, a co-production with Talawa Theatre Company, that will open at the Belgrade Theatre 23 September – 5 October, with a national press night on Thursday 26 September, ahead of a UK tour.
Cast Set For UK Tour of PLAY ON!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 18, 2024
The cast has been announced for the UK premiere of Play On!, the jazz-fuelled, Twelfth Night-inspired musical that will tour the UK from September 2024 – February 2025, including a winter run at Lyric Hammersmith.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 18, 2024
The cast has been announced for the UK premiere of Play On!, the jazz-fuelled, Twelfth Night-inspired musical that will tour the UK from September 2024 – February 2025, including a winter run at Lyric Hammersmith.
Baltimore Center Stage Reveals Lineup For 2024/2025 Mainstage Season
by Stephi Wild - May 16, 2024
Baltimore Center Stage has announced the 2024/25 Season, the first season programmed by Tony Award-nominee Stevie Walker-Webb in his new tenure as Artistic Director. Learn more about the full lineup here!
by Stephi Wild - May 16, 2024
Baltimore Center Stage has announced the 2024/25 Season, the first season programmed by Tony Award-nominee Stevie Walker-Webb in his new tenure as Artistic Director. Learn more about the full lineup here!
MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD Will Close 51st Season At Four County Players
by Stephi Wild - May 3, 2024
To close out their 51st Season in Barboursville, Four County Players will present MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD opening May 3 in the Cellar.
by Stephi Wild - May 3, 2024
To close out their 51st Season in Barboursville, Four County Players will present MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD opening May 3 in the Cellar.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Cheryl L. West written?
Cheryl L. West has written 6 shows including Before it Hits Home (Playwright), Holiday Heart (Playwright), Play On! (Bookwriter), Jar the Floor (Playwright), Birdie Blue (Playwright), Motherhood Out Loud (Playwright).
What awards has Cheryl L. West been nominated for?
Outstanding New Play or Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Pullman Porter Blues and The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Before It Hits Home.
What awards has Cheryl L. West won?
Cheryl L. West has won the Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play at the Helen Hayes Awards for Before It Hits Home.
Videos