LaChanze

Without question, LaChanze is one of the brightest stars and voices to ever hit Broadway. She currently stars as Diva Donna in the high voltage production SUMMER THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Of her performance, The Hollywood Reporter says, “LaChanze brings class” with Vulture proclaiming, her voice “might in fact be able to bring plaster down from the ceiling.” Her volcanic performance landed her nominations for the 2018 Tony Award nomination for Leading Actress in a Musical, 2018 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Actress in a Musical and 2018 Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance Award. In addition to her consistently brilliant stage work, LaChanze continues to make her mark in film and television and concert stages across the U.S.

In television and film, she stars in writer/director Marishka Phillips’ suspense filled film MELINDA. She also appeared in the award-winning film THE HELP where she landed a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Other screen projects include SIDE EFFECTS, HEARTBREAK HOTEL, FOR LOVE OR MONEY, LEAP OF FAITH and MY NEW GUN. On television, she appeared in the award-winning HBO special THE NIGHT OF, PERSON OF INTEREST, LAW & ORDER: SVU, ONE LIFE TO LIVE, LUCY, SEX AND THE CITY, HERCULES, THE COSBY SHOW, THE COSBY MYSTERIES, and NEW YORK UNDERCOVER.

LaChanze is an accomplished and sought-after concert performer who has the honor of appearing in the PBS special and cast album HANDEL’S MESSIAH ROCKS: A JOYFUL NOISE. This appearance resulted in her earning the covenant Emmy Award for her performance Her electric and highly praised tour FEELING GOOD continues to raise roofs and touch the heart of audiences’ worldwide. With her tour and album of the same name, LaChanze’s FEELING GOOD mixes the perfect blend of emotional intensity with sultry vocals leaving onlookers feeling every pain, joy and excitement she felt during those moments of her life.

With a long list of accolades to her name, she is among today’s most highly regarded performers. Hailed by the New York Times as “magnetic,” LaChanze theatre credits are vast, including THE COLOR PURPLE (2006 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Lady in Musical), ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (nominations, Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle), IF/THEN, RAGTIME, COMPANY, and UPTOWN IT’S HOT. Some of her Off-Broadway credits include THE BUBBLY BLACK GIRL SHEDS HER CHAMELEON SKIN (Drama Desk nomination), DESSA ROSE (Obie Award), INKED BABY, SPUNK and FROM THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA.

Not one to rest on her laurels, LaChanze is the author of Little Diva (with illustrations by Brian Pinkey). Released in May 2010, Little Diva offers a realistic and endearing view of a little girl’s dream of taking to the stage like her mother, a Broadway star.

LaChanze is the proud mother of two teenage daughters.