Now making star appearances in Broadway’s “After Midnight” are Multi-Platinum, Grammy Award Winning Superstars TONI BRAXTON & KENNY ‘BABYFACE’ EDMONDS for a limited engagement beginning March 18th thru March 30th at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street). TheaterPizzazz was there to capture their debut and curtain call.
The exciting hit show reintroduces the Cotton Club’s tradition of welcoming new stars. It celebrates Duke Ellington’s years at the Cotton Club using his original arrangements. Directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, the sexy, smoky, glamorous new musical captures the original Jazz Age with heart-pounding, mind-blowing entertainment and a world class big band of 17 musicians, hand picked by Wynton Marsalis. The timeless tunes are set against a narrative of Langston Hughes poetry, augmented by cutting edge performances by 25 sensational vocalists and dancers. Among the current eclectic cast are Tony Award winner Adriane Lenox, Julius “iGlide” Chisolm, Birgil J. Gadson, Karine Plantadit, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards and Jared Grimes.
This Harlem jazz age musical of the 1920s-1930s, recreates an era when the best black entertainers and musicians were the featured entertainment at the historic Cotton Club. Edmonds, a pied piper of sorts, plays narrator in the words of Langston Hughes poetry, leading the audience back to the “Celebrity Nights,” presenting the high energy performers featured in this homage to the era.
“After Midnight” – www.ticketmaster.com
Photos & Video: Magda Katz