Black Theater United honors Black theater legends and paves the way for a vibrant Broadway future, celebrating diversity and inclusion.
by New York IPTV
Photo Credit: Kianga J. Moore (BTU Founders + Friends)
âLaChanze, Michael McElroy, Norm Lewis, Allyson Tucker,Brian Stokes Mitchell, Carin Ford, Darius de Haas, NaTasha Yvette Williams, Schele Williams, Tamara Tunie, Kenny Leon, Linda Twine, AndrĂ© de Shieldsâ
The second annual Black Theater United Gala âGenerations of Excellenceâ, held on September 30, was nothing short of joyous. A celebratory crowd gathered to honor the achievements of Black artists in the performing arts, paying tribute to honorees Linda Twine, Maxine Williams, and Alicia Keys, while setting the stage for a Broadway season that promises to bring more powerful stories and talents to the stage.
New York IPTV was on the red carpet, capturing intimate conversations with industry legends and emerging talent. The evening not only celebrated the progress of Black Theater United but highlighted the ongoing need to amplify Black voices in theater. With stars and supporters from across the theater community in attendance, the evening became a moving reflection of unity and resilience.
Irene Gandy, the iconic Tony Award winning, Broadway publicist and producer, reflected on the importance of mentoring the next generation of theater professionals. âItâs about understanding the vision and why itâs important to keep pushing forward. I remember when my mother was trying to teach me to ironâit wasnât my way, but it was good for me. Thatâs how we grow, by embracing different ways of doing things without thinking any one way is wrong,â Gandy shared.
Standing by her side was Roxy Cade, Director of Group Sales at Nederlander Company, who credits much of her own success to Gandyâs mentorship. âWe are incredibly lucky to have her as an ally. I rely on her as a defenderâwhen Iâm not getting the answers I need, I know sheâs out there making sure I can access the cheat code,â Cade said, emphasizing the value of intergenerational support in the industry.
Video Producer: Betsy Jones
Kandi Burruss, a co-producer of The Wiz, which wrapped earlier this spring and is set for a national tour in 2025. Burruss offered insights into how diversity on Broadway is growing, but persistence and investment are critical. âFor a long time, there wasnât as much opportunity for Black people in theater. When we find a way to get in, itâs powerful to be recognized, and itâs important to come together and create more opportunities for others to break through,â Burruss shared. Her passion for engaging stories on Broadway is evident through her work as a producer, supporter, and advocate for Black-led productions.
Burruss also spoke candidly about the business side of Broadway. âBroadway is all about investors, and I try to use my influence and celebrity to show that our productions can be financially successful. By promoting the productions Iâm part of, I hope to give investors the confidence to support more projects by Black creators, directors, and writers. Itâs crucial to get the word out.â
LaChanze, president of Black Theater United, delivered a poignant reflection on the organizationâs roots. âWe came together after the death of George Floyd because we didnât want anyone else to demand this kind of change. We wanted to be the change,â she said, expressing hope for a future where organizations like BTU can simply exist for the love of theater for all. âMy hope is that we can grow past the need for support groups based on race and instead be united in a true sense,â says LaChanze.
The galaâs theme merged the past and the future seamlessly. Sade Lythcott, CEO of the National Black Theatre, gave reflective sentiments continuing the legacy of her mother Dr. Barbara Ann Teer. âRunning the National Black Theatre every day, continuing the legacy of my mother, is beyond words. Weâve created a platform and space for Black artists to develop, produce, and envision new works. Thatâs the future of our culture,â Lythcott said, noting how the BTU gala is a symbol for Black Theaterâs lasting brilliance and influence.
The night was a vivid reminder of how far Black artists have come, and how much further they will go together. As the Broadway season moves forward, the collective power of Black Theater United and its supporters promises to continue evolving the narrative, ensuring that Black creatives remain at the forefront of theaterâs transformation into the united Great Bright Way.
For New York IPTV, Channel 12, the gala not only reflected the excellence of the present but set the stage for the groundbreaking work to come.BTU SupporterJosh Groban + BTU SupporterProducer Kandi BurrussBTU SupportersBTU Founders + Friends
Keywords: Black Theater United, Broadway future, theater legacy, diversity in theater, inclusion in the arts
#BlackTheaterUnited #BroadwayFuture #TheaterDiversity