Grammy-winning artists Megan Thee Stallion and John Legend are taking their talents to New York City stages, ready to showcase their skills in musical theatre.
Rapper Megan Thee Stallion made her Broadway debut in the musical “Moulin Rouge” for an eight-week run that began on March 24.
“Theater is definitely a new opportunity that I am excited to embrace,” said the performer in a Burlington County Times article. “Stepping onto the Broadway stage and joining the ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical!’ team is an absolute honor.”
The three-time Grammy recipient, with two Billboard Music Awards, six BET Awards, and many other honors, will take on the role of Zidler, the host of the show, until May 17.
Appearing at the Al Hirschfield Theatre, the rapper, composer, and actress will make history as the first female-identifying actor to play Zidler, following in the footsteps of other notable performers who have tackled the role, including Boy George, Titus Burgess and Wayne Brady.
As a first-time composer and lyricist for a theater production, Legend takes on “Imitation of Life,” set to debut this fall.
Based on the 1933 book by Fannie Hurst and the movies made in 1934 and 1959, “Imitation of Life” profiles two single mothers — one Black, one white — who are raising their daughters. The Black woman’s daughter has a very fair complexion and manages her life by passing for White.
“This is a classic title and we decided to do an updated version,” said Legend during a recent interview on NBC’s “3rd Hour of Today.”
Legend is a multi-award recipient having earned the status of EGOT by winning two Emmys, 13 Grammy Awards, an Oscar for co-writing the song “Glory” for the movie “Selma,” and a Tony Award as a co-producer of the play “Jitney.”
“Imitation of Life” is a co-production with National Black Theatre. The musical will premiere this fall at The Shed, an off-Broadway venue in New York City.
“It’s my first time writing music and lyrics for a musical,” Legend said, “and it’s been so fun.”