LaChanze
Also Credited As: R. Lachanze Sapp, LaChanze
Latest News on LaChanze :
LaChanze Launches New Multimedia Production Company LaChanze Productions (May 29, 2024)
Photos: Sutton Foster, LaChanze, Eden Espinosa, Joshua Henry, and More Attend the WP Theater Gala (May 21, 2024)
LaChanze And Lar Lubovitch To Be Honored At Boston Conservatory Commencement (Apr 11, 2024)
LaChanze Launches New Multimedia Production Company LaChanze Productions (May 29, 2024)
Photos: Sutton Foster, LaChanze, Eden Espinosa, Joshua Henry, and More Attend the WP Theater Gala (May 21, 2024)
LaChanze And Lar Lubovitch To Be Honored At Boston Conservatory Commencement (Apr 11, 2024)
LaChanze 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.
LaChanze Photos
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Afra Hines with LaChanze, Storm Lever and Ariana DeBose during the Opening Night Actors' Equity Legacy Robe Ceremony honoring Afra Hines for 'Summer:The Donna Summer Musical at Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on April 23, 2018 in New York City.
Date:
12/26/2018
From: Photo Flashback: Inside the 2018 Legacy Robe Ceremonies!
Afra Hines with LaChanze, Storm Lever and Ariana DeBose during the Opening Night Actors' Equity Legacy Robe Ceremony honoring Afra Hines for 'Summer:The Donna Summer Musical at Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on April 23, 2018 in New York City.
Date:
12/26/2018
From: Photo Flashback: Inside the 2018 Legacy Robe Ceremonies!
Idina Menzel and LaChanze with the ensemble cast attend the ''If/Then'' 100th performance celebration backstage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on June 25, 2014 in New York City.
Date:
06/26/2014
From: Photo Coverage: Idina Menzel & IF/THEN Cast Celebrate 100th Performance at Richard Rodgers Theatre!
Jerry Dixon, Jenn Colella, Idina Menzel and LaChanze with the ensemble cast attend the ''If/Then'' 100th performance celebration backstage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on June 25, 2014 in New York City.
Date:
06/26/2014
From: Photo Coverage: Idina Menzel & IF/THEN Cast Celebrate 100th Performance at Richard Rodgers Theatre!
Michelle Pawk, Mary Testa, Jennifer Laura Thompson, LaChanze, Barbara Walsh, Lea Delaria, Luba Mason and Kate Shindle Bottom Row: Heather Lee, Sally Murphy, Julia Murney, Carolee Carmello and Michael John LaChiusa (''The Girly Show'' a Celebration of the
Date:
10/06/2013
From: Photo Coverage: 10th Anniversary Special - Linda Lenzi's Favorite Photos
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LaChanze 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
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere at La Jolla Playhouse, 2017
Diva Donna
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2000
Viveca
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
LaChanze Productions
LaChanze 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
LaChanze 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
LaChanze Videos
Exclusive: Aisha Jackson is Getting Ready to Spotlight Black Excellence on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 21, 2024
Video: Watch LaChanze Discuss Becoming a Broadway Producer on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 18, 2024
Video: Stars Come Out to Celebrate Opening Night of PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 17, 2024
Video: Watch Denée Benton, Alan Cumming & More In GENIE Holiday Film Trailer Starring Melissa McCarthy
by Michael Major - Nov 1, 2023
VIDEO: KIMBERLY AKIMBO's Steven Boyer and Alli Mauzey Talk Food & Drinks Near the Theater
by Blair Ingenthron - Oct 15, 2023
Video: Arielle Jacobs, Lea Salonga, Jose Llana, and More Talk HERE LIES LOVE on CBS Sunday Morning
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 16, 2023
Video: Watch KIMBERLY AKIMBO's NPR Tiny Desk Concert With Bonnie Milligan, Victoria Clark & More
by Michael Major - May 19, 2023
DREAMGIRLS, SUNSET BOULEVARD & More Announced for North Carolina Theatre 2022-23 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 29, 2022
VIDEO: Stars Unite to Celebrate 50 Years of Broadway at the Kennedy Center
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - Feb 11, 2022
VIDEO: First Look at LaChanze, Chuck Cooper & More in TROUBLE IN MIND
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 17, 2021
VIDEO: See Interviews With LaChanze, Michael Zegen, Jessica Frances Dukes & More on TROUBLE IN MIND
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 29, 2021
VIDEO: LaChanze & the Company of TROUBLE IN MIND Get Ready for Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 24, 2021
LaChanze News
LaChanze Launches New Multimedia Production Company LaChanze Productions
Tony Award-winning producer LaChanze is launching her new multimedia production company, LaChanze Productions. Learn more about the company!
Tony Award-winning producer LaChanze is launching her new multimedia production company, LaChanze Productions. Learn more about the company!
Photos: Sutton Foster, LaChanze, Eden Espinosa, Joshua Henry, and More Attend the WP Theater Gala
The WP Theater Gala was held last night, celebrating more than 40 years of extraordinary women in theater. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the event here!
The WP Theater Gala was held last night, celebrating more than 40 years of extraordinary women in theater. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the event here!
LaChanze And Lar Lubovitch To Be Honored At Boston Conservatory Commencement
Join the Boston Conservatory at Berklee as they honor three-time Tony Award-winning actor and producer LaChanze and internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer Lar Lubovitch at their commencement ceremony on May 11.
Join the Boston Conservatory at Berklee as they honor three-time Tony Award-winning actor and producer LaChanze and internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer Lar Lubovitch at their commencement ceremony on May 11.
LaChanze To Address Pace University's 2024 Commencement
Tony Award-winning actor LACHANZE is set to address Pace University's Commencement 2024 and will receive an honorary doctorate.
Tony Award-winning actor LACHANZE is set to address Pace University's Commencement 2024 and will receive an honorary doctorate.
John Oliver to Host Brooklyn Children's Theatre Gala Honoring LaChanze & More
Join John Oliver, Jeremy Shamos, and Nina Hellman as they host the Brooklyn Children's Theatre 20th Anniversary Gala. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Join John Oliver, Jeremy Shamos, and Nina Hellman as they host the Brooklyn Children's Theatre 20th Anniversary Gala. Learn how to purchase tickets.
WP Gala Will Honor Sutton Foster, LaChanze, and Anne Quart; Hosted by Eden Espinosa
The honorees have been revealed for the WP Theater 2024 Annual Gala, which include Sutton Foster, LaChanze, and Anne Quart. The event will be hosted by Eden Espinosa at The Edison Ballroom on Monday, May 20, 2024.
The honorees have been revealed for the WP Theater 2024 Annual Gala, which include Sutton Foster, LaChanze, and Anne Quart. The event will be hosted by Eden Espinosa at The Edison Ballroom on Monday, May 20, 2024.
Aisha Jackson, LaChanze & More to Take Part in 2024 TCG Gala: OUR STORIES
Theatre Communications Group has revealed the performers for the 2024 TCG Gala: Our Stories, which will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024, at The Edison Ballroom. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.
Theatre Communications Group has revealed the performers for the 2024 TCG Gala: Our Stories, which will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024, at The Edison Ballroom. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.
LaChanze and More Set For Bay Area Cabaret's VENETIAN EVENINGS
Bay Area Cabaret will present Venetian Evenings, a musical celebration paying homage to the world-famous Venetian Room of the Fairmont San Francisco.
Bay Area Cabaret will present Venetian Evenings, a musical celebration paying homage to the world-famous Venetian Room of the Fairmont San Francisco.
Video: KIMBERLY AKIMBO Producer LaChanze Performs A Song From the Tony-Winning Musical On CBS SUNDAY MORNING
Tony Award-winning performer and producer LaChanze joined CBS Sunday Morning this week to discuss her career on stage, representation of black voices behind the scenes, and stepping into her new role as a Broadway producer. As part of the segment, LaChanze performed a stripped down version of a song from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Kimberly Akimbo. Watch the video!
Tony Award-winning performer and producer LaChanze joined CBS Sunday Morning this week to discuss her career on stage, representation of black voices behind the scenes, and stepping into her new role as a Broadway producer. As part of the segment, LaChanze performed a stripped down version of a song from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Kimberly Akimbo. Watch the video!
Video: Watch LaChanze Discuss Becoming a Broadway Producer on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
Watch LaChanze discuss her career on stage and now behind the scenes as a Broadway producer!
Watch LaChanze discuss her career on stage and now behind the scenes as a Broadway producer!
LaChanze Speaks Up About THE COLOR PURPLE Royalties For 'I'm Here'; Says She 'Was a Huge Part at Writing' the Song
LaChanze is speaking up about the mark she made on The Color Purple musical. The actress and producer, who won a Tony Award for playing the role of Celie in the original Broadway production, states that she added lyrics to 'I'm Here.'
LaChanze is speaking up about the mark she made on The Color Purple musical. The actress and producer, who won a Tony Award for playing the role of Celie in the original Broadway production, states that she added lyrics to 'I'm Here.'
Watch: LaChanze, Jenn Colella & More Featured in WELL-BEHAVED WOMEN Music Videos
Experience the dynamic performances of LaChanze, Jenn Colella, and other Broadway stars in the WELL-BEHAVED WOMEN music videos
Experience the dynamic performances of LaChanze, Jenn Colella, and other Broadway stars in the WELL-BEHAVED WOMEN music videos
Photos: Sutton Foster, LaChanze & More Attend PAL JOEY Gala Performance at New York City Center
New York City Center's Pal Joey opened with a benefit performance last week and BroadwayWorld was there! Check out photos from inside the big night.
New York City Center's Pal Joey opened with a benefit performance last week and BroadwayWorld was there! Check out photos from inside the big night.
Interview: Broadway's Newest Power Producer, LaChanze, Talks JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING and More
One of Broadway's best, Tony Award-winner LaChanze, has broken the fourth wall and crossing the footlights to perform a new role- producer. Read our interview with this theatrical legend!
One of Broadway's best, Tony Award-winner LaChanze, has broken the fourth wall and crossing the footlights to perform a new role- producer. Read our interview with this theatrical legend!
KT Tunstall, LaChanze, Nick Fradiani & More to Join ROCKERS ON BROADWAY at Sony Hall
Grammy Award Nominee, KT Tunstall will join Rockers on Broadway as a special guest for their 30th Anniversary on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 8 pm at Sony Hall. See who else is performing, and learn how to purchase tickets!
Grammy Award Nominee, KT Tunstall will join Rockers on Broadway as a special guest for their 30th Anniversary on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 8 pm at Sony Hall. See who else is performing, and learn how to purchase tickets!
LaChanze, Teal Wicks, and More Will Perform at The Moon Theater Company's AMPLIFY 2023
Houses on The Moon Theater Company has announced the lineup of performers and special guests headlining their AMPLIFY 2023 Gala Celebration on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 6:30 PM. Learn more about the event here!
Houses on The Moon Theater Company has announced the lineup of performers and special guests headlining their AMPLIFY 2023 Gala Celebration on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 6:30 PM. Learn more about the event here!
LaChanze Will Kick off Downtown Sessions With Solo Show at Perelman Performing Arts Center
Three-time Tony Award winning LaChanze will perform a solo show for the inaugural season at Perelman Performing Arts Center. Learn more about the concert, as well as how to purchase tickets, here!
Three-time Tony Award winning LaChanze will perform a solo show for the inaugural season at Perelman Performing Arts Center. Learn more about the concert, as well as how to purchase tickets, here!
LaChanze, Taraji P. Henson & Madison Wells Live Join JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Producing Team
Get all the details about the exciting partnership between MTC, Madison Wells Live, LaChanze, and Taraji P. Henson for the upcoming production of JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING. Find out when and where you can catch this groundbreaking collaboration that promises to captivate audiences this fall.
Get all the details about the exciting partnership between MTC, Madison Wells Live, LaChanze, and Taraji P. Henson for the upcoming production of JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING. Find out when and where you can catch this groundbreaking collaboration that promises to captivate audiences this fall.
LaChanze, Ben Platt, and More Set For Perelman Performing Arts Center Inaugural Season
Perelman Performing Arts Center has announced additional opening events and performances to celebrate the September 19 grand opening of the new performing arts center at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. The lineup includes LaChanze, Ben Platt, and more. Learn more here!
Perelman Performing Arts Center has announced additional opening events and performances to celebrate the September 19 grand opening of the new performing arts center at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. The lineup includes LaChanze, Ben Platt, and more. Learn more here!
Video: LaChanze Celebrates Tony Win for 'Best Musical'
Just last night at the 76th Annual Tony Awards, Kimberly Akimbo, currently running at the Booth Theatre, took home a Tony Award for 'Best Musical'. After leaving the stage at the United Palace, producer LaChanze checked it with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge to share her initial reaction!
Just last night at the 76th Annual Tony Awards, Kimberly Akimbo, currently running at the Booth Theatre, took home a Tony Award for 'Best Musical'. After leaving the stage at the United Palace, producer LaChanze checked it with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge to share her initial reaction!
LaChanze 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?
LaChanze has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout her career, including the 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 won several awards throughout her career, including Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Secret Life of Bees," Best Featured Actress in a Musical from the BroadwayWorld Awards for "If/Then," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Color Purple," a Performance award at the Obie Awards for "Dessa Rose," Outstanding Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin," and a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for "Once on This Island."
Videos