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Layon Gray

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BIO

Layon Gray is labeled by many critics and audiences as a genius for how how he take black stories from history pages to the stage.


Layon has spent more than two decades writing, directing and developing stage plays and films that reflect a wide array of cultural movements. A native of Louisiana, Layon has earned more than 60 nominations and awards for his works. Among the honors are: 2021 Broadway World Awards for (Best Director, Best Actor, Best Play, Best Production Of The Year) for his play Cowboy, 2021 NYC AUDELCO Award for Kings Of Harlem, 2019
Detroit Distinguished Playwright Award, 2018 Miami Carbonell Awards (Best Director, Best Ensemble, Best Production) for his play Kings of Harlem, 2016 Broadway League Fellowship Honor, 2012 NYC Inspire Award, 2012, Al Sharpton Man of Vision Award, 2012 PCTF Award (Best Director) 2010 NY AUDELCO Award (Achievement Award for Excellence)
2009 NAACP Award (Best Ensemble Award); 2009 Hollywood ADA Award (Best Ensemble Award); 2008 MATCH-LIFE Artist of the Year; 2007 NAACP Award (Best Producer, Best Play); 2007 MITF Award (Best Play, Best Writer, Best Director, Best Producer); 2006 NAACP Award (Best Play); 2005 Hollywood ADA Award (Best Play);
2004 Hollywood ADA Award (Best Play, Best Writer, Best Director); and 2003 Los Angeles MADDY Award (Best Play, Best Writer, Best Director, Best Ensemble),
Black Angels Over Tuskegee, his play about the Tuskegee Airmen, ran Off-Broadway for eleven year and is in development for a Broadway transfer. The film versions of Kings Of Harlem, and Cowboy are both in early development as feature films.
His latest stage play de MOOR, about a black knight at King Arthur's round table of Camelot, debuted in Pittsburgh in November of 2021. He is currently writing a new musical with BMI in Manhattan New York.
His two man play about Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx titled Foxx/Pryor will have a workshop production in New York spring 2023. For more information on Layon's work log on to www.LayonGray.com or Instagram @LayonGray

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Return Production, 2022
Bass Reeves

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2021
Quentin

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2021]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
Choregrapher
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Consulting Producer

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright

Videos

News


Karl O'Brian Williams, Miranda Melhado & More to Star in MCBEE at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center

Join Karl O'Brian Williams, Miranda Melhado, and Emilio Evans in the American premiere of Alwin Bully's Caribbean drama, McBEE.
Bass Reeves Play COWBOY to Return Off-Broadway Beginning in May

The Off-Broadway production of Cowboy, based on the life of Bass Reeves will return beginning next month. Reeves holds the distinction of being the first black U.S. Deputy Marshal and this will be the first true western play to hit a Broadway or Off-Broadway stage in over 80 years.
Student Playwrights Honored In Playwriting Competition At Delaware Theatre Company

Delaware Theatre Company recognizes student playwrights in its playwriting competition, celebrating the creativity and talent of young writers. Discover the next generation of theatre talent.
LAYON GRAY'S BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE Flys To The Milburn Stone Theatre, February 10 & 11!

The Milburn Stone Theatre has announced the highly anticipated area return of 'Black Angels Over Tuskegee' on February 10th and 11th, 2024.
Arts Garage in Delray Beach Announces 2024 Theatre Season

Marjorie Waldo, President & CEO of Arts Garage, today announced the nonprofit organization's 2024 theatre season—three thought-provoking, community driven, and socially relevant productions from professional, cutting-edge playwrights.
Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Pittsburgh Awards; Voting Ends 12/31

It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Pittsburgh Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Pittsburgh Awards; HEATHERS THE MUSICAL, PUFFS, Geyer Performing Arts Center & More Lead!

There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Pittsburgh Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
BroadwayWorld Pittsburgh Awards; HEATHERS THE MUSICAL, PUFFS, Geyer Performing Arts Center & More Lead!

It's the final 3 weeks and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 11th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Pittsburgh Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
BroadwayWorld Pittsburgh Awards December 5th Standings; HEATHERS THE MUSICAL Leads Best Musical!

It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Pittsburgh Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
KINGS OF HARLEM is Now Playing at Delaware Theatre Company

On Saturday October 28th, audiences were treated to the awe-inspiring opening night of Layon Gray's  remarkable play Kings Of Harlem at Delaware Theatre Company.
DTC's KINGS OF HARLEM Opens Next Month

Delaware Theatre Company's second production of the season is the powerful and inspiring play KINGS OF HARLEM, written and directed by Layon Gray. Learn more about the show here!
Arts Garage In Delray Beach Reveals 2023-2024 Theatre Season

Arts Garage in Delray Beach has announced its 2023-2024 Theatre Season featuring thought-provoking and socially relevant productions. Don't miss 'A Mile in My Shoes' in November, 'Delray Stories & Winter' in December, and 'Black Angels Over Tuskegee' in March.
World Premiere of SCRAMBLED EGGS Comes to the Gene Frankel Theatre in Honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

 In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Faith Steps Productions and 24 Bond Arts Center will present the world premiere of 'Scrambled Eggs,' a new seven-character play. Learn more about how to catch this new play here!
Pittsburgh Public Theater Welcomes New Horizon Theater To The O'Reilly For 32nd Anniversary Season

New Horizon Theater, Inc. board chair Joyce Meggerson-Moore and Pittsburgh Public Theater Managing Director Shaunda McDill announced today a partnership to bring New Horizon Theater's 2023/2024 Season to Downtown Pittsburgh, utilizing The Public's space to help New Horizon Theater's work reach broader audiences in an exciting new setting.
Pittsburgh Public Theater Welcomes New Horizon Theater To The O'Reilly For 32nd Anniversary Season

New Horizon Theater, Inc. board chair Joyce Meggerson-Moore and Pittsburgh Public Theater Managing Director Shaunda McDill announced today a partnership to bring New Horizon Theater's 2023/2024 Season to Downtown Pittsburgh, utilizing The Public's space to help New Horizon Theater's work reach broader audiences in an exciting new setting.
KINGS OF HARLEM Comes to the Delaware Theatre Company in October

KINGS OF HARLEM by Layon Gray comes to Delaware Theatre Company in October. Directed by Layon Gray, performances are set to run October 25–November 12.
Layon Gray's COWBOY Extends Off-Broadway for the 5th Time

Cowboy, a story about Bass Reeves, will extend through July. Cowboy, an epic tale of Bass Reeves, the first full western stage play in New York City in nearly 80 years -  is written, directed and stars Layon Gray as Reeves.
COWBOY Extended Through June At The Actors Temple Theatre

Cowboy, a story about Bass Reeves, will extend through June. The first full western on stage  in New York City in nearly 80 years.
A World Premiere & More Set for Delaware Theatre Company 2023/24 Season

Delaware Theatre Company has announced its 2023/24 Season. The five-show season—DTC's 44th—will launch on September 20. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets!
Photos: First Look At COWBOY, THE BASS REEVES STORY Off-Broadway; Extension Announced!

First look photos! Cowboy, the story of Bass Reeves, extends Off-Broadway. Reeves made history by being the first black U.S. Deputy Marshall in America. This is the first full on western to hit a Broadway or Off-Broadway stage in over 80 years. The play is written, directed and will star Layon Gray as Reeves.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Layon Gray written?

Layon Gray has written 4 shows including Girl Gone (Playwright), All-American Girls (Playwright), Black Sparta (Playwright), Black Angels Over Tuskegee (Playwright).

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