Tony Award-winning producer LaChanze (Kimberly Akimbo, Topdog/Underdog) is thrilled to announce the launch of her new multimedia production company, LaChanze Productions. LCP is focused on producing original works that will attract contemporary audiences by bringing new voices to center stage. LCP aims to reimagine traditional theatrical concepts and revitalize commercial theater, making it exciting and accessible for all. LaChanze serves as Producer and Managing Director of the new entity.
LCP will discover, develop, and deliver groundbreaking Broadway and commercial entertainment projects. LCP aims to usher in a new era of entertainment. The mission is to nurture untapped talent both on and off stage, prioritize inclusivity and create productions that inspire and reflect the human condition. While current projects in development are plays and musicals, LCP plans to expand into film and television as well.
LaChanze is currently a producing partner with Marylee Fairbanks on the new Broadway musical The Outsiders, which received 12 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical in 2024. She had already found tremendous success as a producer on the Broadway. Her productions include Kimberly Akimbo (Tony Award, Best Musical), Topdog/Underdog (Tony Award, Best Play Revival), Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (five 2024 Tony nominations, including Best Play) and Here Lies Love (four 2024 Tony nominations).
A veteran theatre and entertainment professional for over 40 years, LaChanze brings keen insight to her approach as a producer. “Since 2009, I have wanted a seat on the other side of the table,” she shares. “As a career theater professional, I have had the good fortune to witness all aspects of what it takes to build a successful theatrical production. My love for this industry coupled with my advocacy to develop new audiences has inspired me to launch LaChanze Productions. I hope to bring a unique perspective to each project we produce and I look forward to continuing to build this company, nurture new productions and bring on other passionate people to join me in this endeavor.”
LaChanze is a tremendously successful actress. Her professional highlights include her Tony Award-winning performance as the original Celie in The Color Purple. She also originated the iconic role of Ti Moune in Once on This Island (Tony Award nomination).
A private industry reading of Reunion in Bartersville, written by Celeste Bedford Walker and one of the first new works from LCP, will take place on June 13, 2024 at Signature Theatre (480 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036). The reading will be directed by Jerry Dixon. Nzinga Williams will serve as General Manager.
New Works from LaChanze Productions
Reunion in Bartersville
A whodunnit set on a group of senior citizens who come together for their 50th High School Class reunion.
The Sea Witch
Before she took the mermaid’s voice, she gave up her own heart. The untold story of how a girl became the sea’s most feared villain.
Gifted
A love-triangle that follows the journey of Marcus, a teenager who discovers that he has the ability to stop time, which gains him entry into the superpowered high school, Wilford School for the Elite.
Love Warrior
A one-man performance that highlights that power of the human spirit can triumph over immeasurable trauma. Daniel “Koa” Beaty shares his journey to transform his pain to power. (Produced with Vanessa V. Williams for Asé Enterprises).
Buena Vista Social Club
An homage to the famed Cuban nightclub that gave birth to Afro-Cuban legends and their untold story. (Co-Producer).
BIOGRAPHY
LaChanze (Founder and President). With a career that has spanned thirty-eight Broadway seasons, LaChanze consistently brings women of complexity and triumph into the cultural lexicon.
Last season, LaChanze made her debut as producer on two shows, the 20th anniversary revival of Suzan-Lori Parks’ acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Topdog/Underdog, as well as Kimberly Akimbo, a new musical by Tony Award-winning composer Jeanine Tesori and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire, earning a combined 11 Tony Award nominations and 6 Tony Award wins, including Best Revival of a Play and Best Musical, respectively. This season, she produced Kimberly Akimbo, Here Lies Love by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim and Jaja’s African Hair Braiding written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Whitney White. In Spring 2024, she joined the producing team of The Outsiders, a new musical based on S.E. Hinton’s beloved novel. Next season, she will make her New York City directorial debut with Alice Childress’ Wine in the Wilderness at Classic Stage Company.
LaChanze won a Tony Award for her performance as Celie in The Color Purple, originated the role of Ti Moune in Once on This Island (Tony Award nomination), and upheld her commitment to artistic excellence as Wiletta in Alice Childress’ historic play, Trouble In Mind (Tony Award nomination). Other notable stage performances include roles in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Tony Award nomination), A Christmas Carol, The Secret Life of Bees, If/Then, The Wiz, Ragtime, Uptown… It’s Hot! and Dreamgirls.
LaChanze has performed on stages around the globe. For more information on LaChanze as an artist, please visit mslachanze.com
She is the President of Black Theatre United, a community of creatives dedicated to awareness, accountability, and advocacy. Proud mother of Celia Rose and Zaya LaChanze. She resides in Westchester, New York with her three cats and gardening hats.
