Tamika Lawrence (BFA ’10, Musical Theatre) was called “a stunning singer” by the New York Times chief theatre critic in a Feb. 16 review of the production, “Black No More.”
The new Off Broadway musical set during the Harlem Renaissance is the story of Max Disher (Brandon Victor Dixon), who’s eager to try the mysterious machine invented by Dr. Junius Crookman (Tariq Trotter) that guarantees to “solve the American race problem” — by turning Black people white. Tamika plays Buni, Max Disher’s best friend.
>>> This just in … Tamika was nominated for a Drama Desk award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical!!! The Drama Desk award winners will be announced the week of June 6, and the awards will be presented at Sardi’s on June 14. <<<
The book written by John Ridley, Academy Award winner for “12 Years a Slave,” with lyrics and music by two-time Grammy Award winner Tariq (“Black Thought”) Trotter from The Roots.
“Black No More” had a limited engagement (Jan. 20-Feb. 27) at the Pershing Square Signature Center with Opening Night on Feb. 15.
“I’m honored that someone would entrust in me, singing these beautiful songs and these powerful songs that have so much meaning,” Lawrence said on NY1’s “On Stage.”
“I’m hopeful that (audiences) got the message; I’m all about the message of this piece.”
Lawrence has appeared in seven Broadway shows and has won two Grammy Awards, one for her work on the “Dear Evan Hansen” cast album and one for the soundtrack to “The Greatest Showman.”