Nova Y. Payton

Lindsay Mendez and Jessie Mueller to Headline BROADWAY IN THE PARK
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2025

Signature Theatre and Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts has revealed the headliners for the fifth annual musical theater collaboration, Broadway in the Park, featuring Lindsay Mendez and Jessie Mueller. Learn more!

AND I YOU Musical Will Premiere at Olney Theatre Center; 2025-2026 Season Announced
by Emmy Rice - Apr 4, 2025

The season unites established theater luminaries like Lauren Gunderson, Zhailon Levingston, and Nova Y. Payton; rising star writer/composers Ari Afsar and Joriah Kwamé; award-winning UK theater artists Daniel Bailey and Tyrell Williams; and DMV resident (and celebrity chef) Carla Hall.

Cast & Creative Team of Set for I'LL TAKE YOU THERE: STAX RECORDS CO. at Signature Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2024

Isaac “Deacon Izzy” Bell (Where the Mountain Meets the Sea, Passing Strange) and Kanysha Williams (Ain’t Misbehavin’, Gun and Powder) will perform in I’ll Take You There: Stax Records Co. at Signature Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Feature: 'WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW,' A CELEBRATION OF DIONNE WARWICK at Bell Theater
by Lianna Albrizio - Oct 7, 2024

On Sept. 22, the woman behind the scintillating vocals to one of music’s most timeless and moving classics, “What the World Needs Now,” took the stage at Bell Theater in New Jersey with a stellar lineup of musical guests to perform the song live as a culmination of a namesake tribute concert that paid homage to her life and musical legacy.

Interview: Cheyenne Elliott of A CELEBRATION OF DIONNE WARWICK
by Lianna Albrizio - Sep 17, 2024

Cheyenne Elliott was a preteen clad in a sparkly Limited Too garment when her grandmother, Dionne Warwick, called her up onstage for the first time. Flashback to the mid-2000s at an outdoor summer concert in the New York Metropolitan Area, the pair sang Warwick’s poignant classic, “That’s What Friends Are For.” Since its 1985 release, the song has resonated with generations, performed at grade-school graduations and played as background music to slideshows depicting precious kindergarten memories. 

NJ Arts Icon Gala Will Honor Dionne Warwick at Bell Theater in Holmdel
by Stephi Wild - Aug 28, 2024

Dionne Warwick will come to Bell Theater at Bell Works on Sunday, September 22 with a once-in-a-lifetime event in support of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center and Bell Theater’s cultural arts and education programs.

Laverne Cox and Jessica Hecht to Join Shakespeare Theatre Company Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 10, 2024

Shakespeare Theatre Company has added presenters Laverne Cox and Jessica Hecht to its lineup for the Company’s annual fund-raising Gala. See who else is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.

Judith Light to be Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award at Shakespeare Theatre Company Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 26, 2024

Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Judith Light has joined Shakespeare Theatre Company's star-studded line-up and honorees to be celebrated at its annual Gala on April 15, 2024.

Video: Watch Nova Y. Payton Sing 'I Say A Little Prayer' from THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR at Signature Theatre
by Blair Ingenthron - Jan 28, 2024

Watch Nova Y. Payton sing 'I Say A Little Prayer' from Signature's latest cabaret THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR, featuring the repertoire of Burt Bacharach in the video here!

Review: THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR: NOVA Y. PAYTON SINGS BURT BACHARACH at Signature Theatre
by David Friscic - Jan 20, 2024

Nova Y. Payton breathed fresh air, sassy jazz elements and sublime, variegated vocals into the world of the legendary composer Burt Bacharach in an innovative and musically invigorating evening of cabaret. Entitled That’s What Friends Are For:  Nova Y. Payton Sings Burt Bacharach, this cabaret was yet another fine evening of cabaret from Signature Theatre.

THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR: NOVA Y. PAYTON SINGS BURT BACHARACH to Begin at Signature Theatre in January
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 21, 2023

Performances of That’s What Friends Are For: Nova Y. Payton Sings Burt Bacharach begin in less than one month at Signature Theatre.

Review: A HOLIDAY POPS! With Norm Lewis at the Kennedy Center
by Elliot Lanes - Dec 11, 2023

The annual National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Holiday Pops always puts its attendees in the holiday spirit with both orchestral and vocal delights. This year’s edition featured Broadway star Norm Lewis with special guests and the mighty NSO under the direction of the always wonderful Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke.

HERE LIES LOVE Homecoming Concert Comes to Joe's Pub Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2023

The cast, alumni, and friends of Here Lies Love will perform in Here Lies Love: A Homecoming Concert on Monday, October 2 at 9:30pm, in celebration of Filipino American History Month. Learn more about the concert and how to get tickets here!

Review: FELA! at Olney Theatre Center
by Roger Catlin - Jul 16, 2023

It’s only the third time the Maryland regional powerhouses have collaborated, and people still recall their only other two such efforts, “Angels in America” in 2016 and “In the Heights in 2017. “Fela!” will be equally well-remembered alongside them. 

Melody A. Betts Joins the Cast of FELA! at the Olney Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jun 14, 2023

Chicago-based actor, Melody A. Betts has joined the cast of Olney Theatre Center and Round House Theatre's co-production of Fela!, which, begins previews on Olney Theatre's Roberts Mainstage, July 7.

FELA! Revived For First Time in a Decade By Round Hound and Olney Theatres
by Stephi Wild - Jun 5, 2023

Fela!, Olney Theatre Center and Round House Theatre's first co-production since their Helen Hayes Award-winning collaboration on In The Heights, begins previews on Olney Theatre's Roberts Mainstage July 7.

Kennedy Center GUYS AND DOLLS, Kevin Chamberlin, And More Win Helen Hayes Awards
by A.A. Cristi - May 23, 2023

This evening, the 2023 Helen Hayes Awards took place at The Anthem on the District Wharf, with over 1,600 theatre-makers and theatre supporters in attendance. Esteemed Washington theatre artists Naomi Jacobson, Erika Rose, Holly Twyford, and Christopher Michael Richardson hosted an evening showcasing the vibrant and diverse community of professional theatre artists in the Washington region.

VIDEO: Nova Y. Payton, Natascia Diaz & Karen Vincent in THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND at Olney Theatre Center
by Alan Henry - May 17, 2023

Get a first look at The World Goes ꞌRound, the critically acclaimed revue featuring the music of John Kander and Fred Ebb that premiered off-Broadway in 1991 in a three-way co-production by ArtsCentic, Everyman Theatre, and Olney Theatre Center.

PRIVATE JONES World Premiere, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY & More Set for Signature Theatre 2023/24 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 16, 2023

Signature Theatre has announced its 34th season, featuring six musicals and one play in a season lineup that includes one world premiere and three DC premieres. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND at Olney Theatre Center
by Ken Kemp - Apr 28, 2023

Make tracks to Olney Theatre Center and catch The World Goes 'Round!