LaChanze
Also Credited As: R. Lachanze Sapp, LaChanze
Latest News on LaChanze :
KIMBERLY AKIMBO National Tour To Make New Jersey Premiere At Count Basie Center For The Arts (Nov 21, 2025)
Photos: On The Opening Night Red Carpet For TWO STRANGERS CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK (Nov 21, 2025)
Tickets On Sale For The New Jersey Premiere Of KIMBERLY AKIMBO This Week (Nov 20, 2025)
KIMBERLY AKIMBO National Tour To Make New Jersey Premiere At Count Basie Center For The Arts (Nov 21, 2025)
Photos: On The Opening Night Red Carpet For TWO STRANGERS CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK (Nov 21, 2025)
Tickets On Sale For The New Jersey Premiere Of KIMBERLY AKIMBO This Week (Nov 20, 2025)
BIO
LaChanze's first summer job was as a tap dancer in the ensemble of Uptown... It's Hot! at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The show opened on Broadway in January 1986, where LaChanze began her professional career in the theater.
LaChanze played the role of "Ti Moune" in the Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty musical Once on This Island in 1990 and received nominations for the Tony Award as Best Featured Actress in a Musical and Drama Desk Award as Outstanding Actress in a Musical. She was a replacement "Sarah" in the Ahrens and Flaherty and Terrence McNally Broadway musical Ragtime, starting in December 1998. She played the role of "Viveca" in the Playwrights Horizons Off-Broadway production of the musical The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, which opened in June 2000. She received a Drama Desk nomination, Actress (Musical), for her performance. LaChanze participated in an Actors Fund of America benefit concert of Funny Girl, with many performers portraying the character of "Fanny Brice", in September 2002.
In 2005 she played a runaway slave in the Ahrens and Flaherty musical Dessa Rose. The musical opened Off-Broadway at the Mitzi Newhouse Theatre at Lincoln Center in March 2005. LaChanze received an Obie Award for Performance for Dessa Rose. LaChanze appeared as "Celie" in the Broadway musical The Color Purple, from its opening in 2005 to November 2006. She won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for this performance.
In September 2008 she participated in the Boston Pops concert, Handel's Messiah Rocks at Emerson College. The performance was filmed by Public Broadcasting Service. She was in the Off-Broadway production of Inked Baby, written by Christina Anderson, which opened in March 2009 at Playwrights Horizons Peter Jay Sharp Theater. In June and July 2009, she played the role of "Glinda" in the City Center Encores! staged Summer Stars concert production of The Wiz.
She published her first picture book, Little Diva, in 2010. She was in the Broadway production of If/Then in 2014, starring as Kate. In 2018, she was in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical on Broadway, playing Diva Donna/Mary Gaines. She is currently in A Christmas Carol on Broadway, starring as the Ghost of Christmas Present.
Photos
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STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Fezziwig
[Off-Broadway]
Atlantic Theatre Company Off-Broadway World Premiere, 2019
August
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2018
Donna Summer
Mary Gaines
Donna Summer
Mary Gaines
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere at La Jolla Playhouse, 2017
Diva Donna
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2000
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2000
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
Productions
TV Shows
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
President Rosa Freeman, Amber, Ms. Pivik
President Rosa Freeman, Amber, Ms. Pivik
The Cosby Show
Sylvia
Sylvia
The Good Fight
Julius's Wife
Julius's Wife
Firebuds
[ 2022-2024 ] Jenna Jones
[ 2022-2024 ] Jenna Jones
Dee & Friends in Oz
Miss Emerald Grandma
Miss Emerald Grandma
Awards and Nominations
Drama League Awards - 2022 - Distinguished Performance Awards
LaChanze, Trouble in Mind
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Actress in a Play
LaChanze, Trouble in Mind
Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
LaChanze, Trouble in Mind
Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical
LaChanze, The Secret Life of Bees
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical
LaChanze, The Secret Life of Bees
Drama Desk Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical
LaChanze, Summer
Drama League Awards - 2018 - Distinguished Performance Award
LaChanze, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
LaChanze, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2014 - Best Featured Actress in a Musical
LaChanze, If/Then
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical
La Chanze, The Color Purple
winner
Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
LaChanze, The Color Purple
winner
Obie Awards - 2005 - Performance
LaChanze, Dessa Rose
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Actress - Musical
La Chanze, The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin
winner
Theatre World Awards - 1991 - Performance
LaChanze, Once on This Island
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
LaChanze , Once on this Island
Videos
Video: Fabiola Caraballo Quijada and Chris Hayes Celebrate Jimmy Award Wins on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-25 10:21:31
Video: Adrienne Warren, Kecia Lewis, and More Celebrate Sisterhood at Black Women on Broadway Awards
by Survival Jobs - 2025-06-20 15:34:26
Video: Watch Joy Woods Sing 'I Could Have Danced All Night' at MCC MISCAST
by Michael Major - 2025-01-13 15:41:03
Video: Annaleigh Ashford & Josh Groban Sing 'The Phantom of the Opera' at MISCAST
by Michael Major - 2024-10-14 15:58:03
Video: Carolee Carmello and Miguel Gil Sing 'Now' at KIMBERLY AKIMBO Tour Sitzprobe
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-09-01 10:37:54
Video: Joshua Boone Records 'Little Brother' from THE OUTSIDERS
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-07-14 15:18:24
Video: Meet the Creators Behind the Tony-Nominated Shows of 2024
by Joey Mervis - 2024-06-14 15:35:25
Exclusive: Aisha Jackson is Getting Ready to Spotlight Black Excellence on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-02-21 16:02:57
Video: Watch LaChanze Discuss Becoming a Broadway Producer on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-02-18 10:17:21
Video: Stars Come Out to Celebrate Opening Night of PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-01-17 11:48:18
Video: Watch Denée Benton, Alan Cumming & More In GENIE Holiday Film Trailer Starring Melissa McCarthy
by Michael Major - 2023-11-01 12:54:54
VIDEO: KIMBERLY AKIMBO's Steven Boyer and Alli Mauzey Talk Food & Drinks Near the Theater
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-10-15 14:19:54
Video: Stars Walk the Red Carpet on Opening Night of HERE LIES LOVE
by Red Carpet - 2023-07-24 10:34:10
Video: Arielle Jacobs, Lea Salonga, Jose Llana, and More Talk HERE LIES LOVE
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-07-16 12:23:10
Video: Watch KIMBERLY AKIMBO's NPR Tiny Desk Concert With Bonnie Milligan, Victoria Clark & More
by Michael Major - 2023-05-19 13:31:08
News
KIMBERLY AKIMBO National Tour To Make New Jersey Premiere At Count Basie Center For The Arts
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2025
The national tour of KIMBERLY AKIMBO, winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Musical, will make its New Jersey premiere at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in May 2026.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2025
The national tour of KIMBERLY AKIMBO, winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Musical, will make its New Jersey premiere at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in May 2026.
Photos: On The Opening Night Red Carpet For TWO STRANGERS CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 21, 2025
The new musical Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) celebrated its opening night on Broadway with a red carpet full of family, fans, friends, and supporters. Visit the red carpet in new photos!
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 21, 2025
The new musical Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) celebrated its opening night on Broadway with a red carpet full of family, fans, friends, and supporters. Visit the red carpet in new photos!
Tickets On Sale For The New Jersey Premiere Of KIMBERLY AKIMBO This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025
The Count Basie Center for the Arts has revealed that tickets are now available for the New Jersey premiere of KIMBERLY AKIMBO, the winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including Best Musical.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025
The Count Basie Center for the Arts has revealed that tickets are now available for the New Jersey premiere of KIMBERLY AKIMBO, the winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including Best Musical.
BROADWAY’S LEADING LADIES Concert to Premiere on PBS in November
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 6, 2025
Broadway's Leading Ladies, a live concert featuring some of the biggest stars in musical theater, will debut on PBS on November 28, 2025. Filmed live at New York’s Town Hall in March 2025, this star-studded concert celebrates the women who have defined Broadway and those who are shaping its future.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 6, 2025
Broadway's Leading Ladies, a live concert featuring some of the biggest stars in musical theater, will debut on PBS on November 28, 2025. Filmed live at New York’s Town Hall in March 2025, this star-studded concert celebrates the women who have defined Broadway and those who are shaping its future.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 24, 2025- LIBERATION On Broadway First Look And More
by - Oct 24, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 24, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Oct 24, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 24, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
LaChanze Steps Down as Producer of DREAMGIRLS on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2025
LaChanze has stepped down as a producer of the Broadway revival of Dreamgirls. Learn more about the Broadway revival, and about LaChanze's decision to step away from the project here.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2025
LaChanze has stepped down as a producer of the Broadway revival of Dreamgirls. Learn more about the Broadway revival, and about LaChanze's decision to step away from the project here.
Photos: Inside Opening Night of Ari'el Stachel's OTHER
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 20, 2025
OTHER, a new solo dramedy written and performed by Tony Award and GRAMMY Award winner Ari’el Stachel, officially opened on Sunday, October 19 at the Greenwich House Theatre. Check out photos from the opening night celebration here!
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 20, 2025
OTHER, a new solo dramedy written and performed by Tony Award and GRAMMY Award winner Ari’el Stachel, officially opened on Sunday, October 19 at the Greenwich House Theatre. Check out photos from the opening night celebration here!
Photos: Kecia Lewis Unveils Sardi's Portarait
by Jennifer Broski - Oct 17, 2025
Tony winner Kecia Lewis has a lot to celebrate this year. Not only is she starring in Hell's Kitchen on Broadway, but she is celebrating 40 triumphant years as a dynamic storyteller on stage and screen. She just received a Sardi's portrait and you can see photos from the special day below!
by Jennifer Broski - Oct 17, 2025
Tony winner Kecia Lewis has a lot to celebrate this year. Not only is she starring in Hell's Kitchen on Broadway, but she is celebrating 40 triumphant years as a dynamic storyteller on stage and screen. She just received a Sardi's portrait and you can see photos from the special day below!
Photos: Tony-Winner Ari’el Stachel Stars in New Solo Play OTHER at Greenwich House Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 15, 2025
Tony and GRAMMY Award winner Ari’el Stachel (The Band’s Visit) returns Off-Broadway with OTHER, a new solo dramedy exploring identity, anxiety, and self-acceptance. Check out photos of the show.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 15, 2025
Tony and GRAMMY Award winner Ari’el Stachel (The Band’s Visit) returns Off-Broadway with OTHER, a new solo dramedy exploring identity, anxiety, and self-acceptance. Check out photos of the show.
Tickets on Sale This Week For KIMBERLY AKIMBO at Overture
by Stephi Wild - Oct 13, 2025
Overture Center for the Arts has announced that tickets for “Kimberly Akimbo,” winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including Best Musical and the most critically acclaimed musical of its season, will go on sale starting Friday, Oct. 17.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 13, 2025
Overture Center for the Arts has announced that tickets for “Kimberly Akimbo,” winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including Best Musical and the most critically acclaimed musical of its season, will go on sale starting Friday, Oct. 17.
Photos: Ari’el Stachel in Rehearsal For OTHER Off-Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2025
All new rehearsal photos have been released from OTHER, a new dramedy about the anxious art of belonging, written and performed by Tony Award and GRAMMY Award winner Ari’el Stachel. Check out the photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2025
All new rehearsal photos have been released from OTHER, a new dramedy about the anxious art of belonging, written and performed by Tony Award and GRAMMY Award winner Ari’el Stachel. Check out the photos here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 6, 2025- Dylan Mulvaney Talks THE LEAST PROBLEMATIC WOMAN IN THE WORLD And More
by - Oct 6, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 6, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
by - Oct 6, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 6, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Idina Menzel Joins Broadway Green Alliance Advisory Council
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2025
Idina Menzel joins LaChanze and others on the inaugural Broadway Green Alliance Advisory Council, aiming to enhance sustainability in theater.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2025
Idina Menzel joins LaChanze and others on the inaugural Broadway Green Alliance Advisory Council, aiming to enhance sustainability in theater.
Photos: Inside the Black Theatre United Gala 2025 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom
by Stephen Sorokoff - Oct 1, 2025
See photos from inside the Black Theatre United 2025 Gala. The evening was directed by (for the third year) by Jerry Dixon with musical direction by Joseph Joubert.
by Stephen Sorokoff - Oct 1, 2025
See photos from inside the Black Theatre United 2025 Gala. The evening was directed by (for the third year) by Jerry Dixon with musical direction by Joseph Joubert.
KIMBERLY AKIMBO Will Play Birmingham’s BJCC Concert Hall in November
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 29, 2025
The American Theatre Guild will present Kimberly Akimbo, the 2023 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, at Birmingham’s BJCC Concert Hall November 25–30, 2025. The engagement is part of the 2025–2026 Broadway in Birmingham Series.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 29, 2025
The American Theatre Guild will present Kimberly Akimbo, the 2023 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, at Birmingham’s BJCC Concert Hall November 25–30, 2025. The engagement is part of the 2025–2026 Broadway in Birmingham Series.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 18, 2025- ART Opens On Broadway and More
by - Sep 18, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 18, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Sep 18, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 18, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
LaChanze Will Produce OTHER, Written By and Starring Ari'el Statchel
by Stephi Wild - Sep 17, 2025
LaChanze Productions will produce OTHER, a new dramedy about the anxious art of belonging, written and performed by Tony Award and GRAMMY Award winner Ari’el Stachel.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 17, 2025
LaChanze Productions will produce OTHER, a new dramedy about the anxious art of belonging, written and performed by Tony Award and GRAMMY Award winner Ari’el Stachel.
Kevin Csolak Will Step Into THE OUTSIDERS Cast as 'Bob'
by Stephi Wild - Sep 17, 2025
Kevin Csolak will take on the role “Bob” in The Outsiders on Broadway starting Friday, September 26, 2025 while original cast member Kevin William Paul takes a leave of absence.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 17, 2025
Kevin Csolak will take on the role “Bob” in The Outsiders on Broadway starting Friday, September 26, 2025 while original cast member Kevin William Paul takes a leave of absence.
Photos: Patricia Delgado, Justin Peck and More Honored at MADE IN NY Awards Ceremony
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2025
Mayor Eric Adams and Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman hosted the first-ever “Made in NY” Awards Ceremony. See photos here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2025
Mayor Eric Adams and Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman hosted the first-ever “Made in NY” Awards Ceremony. See photos here!
KIMBERLY AKIMBO THE MUSICAL to Play the Kauffman Center in January 2026
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 15, 2025
PNC Broadway in Kansas City will present the North American Tour of KIMBERLY AKIMBO, winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including Best Musical, at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts from January 20–25, 2026.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 15, 2025
PNC Broadway in Kansas City will present the North American Tour of KIMBERLY AKIMBO, winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including Best Musical, at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts from January 20–25, 2026.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has LaChanze been in?
LaChanze has appeared on Broadway in 10 shows.
How many West End shows has LaChanze been in?
LaChanze has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has LaChanze been nominated for?
Distinguished Performance Awards (Drama League Awards) for Trouble in Mind, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Trouble in Mind, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Trouble in Mind, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Secret Life of Bees, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Secret Life of Bees, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Summer, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Best Featured Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for If/Then, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Color Purple, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Color Purple, Performance (Obie Awards) for Dessa Rose, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Once on This Island and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Once on this Island.
What awards has LaChanze won?
LaChanze has received several prestigious awards throughout her career. She won Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Secret Life of Bees and Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for If/Then. She earned the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for The Color Purple. Additionally, she received an Obie Award for her performance in Dessa Rose and was honored with Outstanding Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin. LaChanze also won a Theatre World Award for her performance in Once on This Island.
Videos