LANGSTON IN HARLEM, FEAT. BRANDON VICTOR DIXON, BRENDA BRAXTON, & MORE! With Andre Chez Lewis musical director, piano, keys, Lonnie Plaxico bass, Gene Ghee alto, tenor and soprano saxes, Marcos Robinson guitar, Ronnie Burrage drums and percussion.
MAY 4, 2023
Join us at 54 Below for Langston in Harlem, an innovative theater piece in concert that explores the Harlem Renaissance world of renowned poet Langston Hughes set to the music of Walter Marks.
Using the poet’s own words, Langston in Harlem offers audiences a musical journey into the life of this powerful literary figure, who, as a Black, gay man, became the voice of his people despite living in a society that sought to silence and shun him. This portrait is made more vivid and expressive by fusing Langston’s words with the music of the period; jazz, blues, gospel, ragtime, boogie, afro-Cuban, and Yoruba chant.
This exciting show features songs with Langston’s immortal poems set to music —”The Weary Blues,” “Jukebox Love Song,” “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” and “Harlem” (“A Dream Deferred”).
Featuring:
Tony Award® nominee Brenda Braxton (Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Dreamgirls, Chicago)
Tony Award® nominee Brandon Victor Dixon (Hamilton, Shuffle Along, Motown)
Jeremy Collier (30+ professionally staged operas and musical theater performances)
Garfield Hammonds (Jesus Christ Superstar national tour, Motown national tour)
David Jackson (Grand Hotel, La Cage Aux Folles)
Anastacia McCleskey (Caroline, or Change, Waitress, Priscilla Queen of the Desert)
Jasmine Overbaugh (Rent national tour, Baby)
Nattalyee Randall (THE FUNCTION: A Juneteenth Concert Celebration)
Clyde Voce (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory national tour, The Color Purple national tour)
Virginia Woodruff (Violet, The Color Purple)
Langston in Harlem is produced by The Classical Theater of Harlem and directed by Jerry Dixon.
Please note that all artists and acts are subject to change at any time.
FEATURING
Brenda Braxton
Brandon Victor Dixon
Jeremy Collier
Garfield Hammonds
David Jackson
Anastacia McCleskey
Jasmine Overbaugh
Nattalyee Randall
Clyde Voce
Virginia Woodruff