Broadway remains the greatest place to see some of the best theater in the world, and this upcoming 2025-2026 season is shaping up to be no exception. Huge Black stars like Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, Ayo Edebiri, and more are making their debuts, while legends like Billy Porter, Cedric the Entertainer, and Ledlie Odom Jr. make grand returns to the stage.
Suggested Reading
Here’s our list of upcoming Broadway shows this season featuring Black leads that are a must-see.
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
First on our list is “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” the return of one of August Wilson’s greatest plays to Broadway. As we reported, Cedric the Entertainer and Taraji P. Henson are set to star in this production. Henson will be making her Broadway debut, while Cedric returns to Broadway after over 10 years (he starred in “American Buffalo” back in ’08).
“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” will play the Shubert Theater in spring 2026.
Cabaret
The recent revival of “Cabaret” is closing later this year, but not before one of the greatest Broadway stars ever steps into the iconic role of the Emcee. Billy Porter has joined the company of the famous show, and will play the Emcee from now through October. Now’s your chance to see the “Pose” star in his element and back on stage.
“Cabaret” closes on October 19th at the August Wilson Theater.
Ragtime
“Ragtime,” one of the most beloved musicals, is coming back to Broadway for a third revival. Set during the turn of the century, the show stars Broadway legend Joshua Henry as Coalhouse Walker Jr. Nichelle Lewis, who recently led “The Wiz” revival as Dorothy, will play his love interest, Sarah.
“Ragtime” will play Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater beginning September 26th, 2025.
Chess
“Chess” remains one of the great mega-musicals from the 1980s, but has yet to return to Broadway…until now. The revival (which famously features catchy tunes from ABBA members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus) stars Nicholas Christopher, alongside “Glee” star Lea Michele and Aaron Tveit. Christopher recently who recently starred in the Off-Broadway revival of “Little Shop of Horrors” as Seymour, and has appeared in shows like “Hamilton” and “Motown.”
“Chess” premieres Oct. 15th at the Imperial Theater.
Proof
Two names: Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri. That’s right, these two stars of the silver screen are bringing their talents to the Broadway stage in a revival of “Proof.” While Cheadle made his New York stage debut at The Public Theater back in 2001, this marks his Broadway debut. “The Bear” star Edebri, who has been on quite the winning streak, also makes her debut in this play.
“Proof” premieres next March.
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Your new favorite romantic comedy musical is coming to Broadway this fall. Fresh from London’s West End, “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)” follows “a naïve and impossibly upbeat Brit, Dougal, who has just landed in New York for his estranged father’s second wedding,” per an official description from Playbill. “When Robin, the sister of the bride, picks him up from the airport, they embark on a serendipitous adventure through New York City.” Christiani Pitts, who starred in “King Kong” on Broadway, stars as Robin.
“Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)” opens Nov. 1st at the Longacre Theatre.
Hamilton (Leslie Odom Jr. Returns)
Never got a chance to see Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr in the Broadway megahit “Hamilton”? Have no fear, because Leslie is back. The actor and singer will return to the role that earned him a Tony Award this Fall, making this a must-see for any “Hamilton” fan, or theater fan in general.
Leslie Odom Jr. will play Burr from September 9th to November 26th at the Richard Rodgers Theater.
The Balusters
Another win for “Hamilton” fans comes in the form of “The Balusters,” a brand new play starring Renée Elise Goldsberry, who, of course earned her Tony Award for originating Angelica in “Hamilton.” Carl Clemons-Hopkins (“Hacks”) also stars in the upcoming play.
“The Balusters, directed by Kenny Leon, premieres in spring 2025 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
Hell’s Kitchen
The Alicia Keys musical has remained one of the biggest hits on Broadway for two seasons now, and the show just brought in a Broadway vet in one of the biggest roles. Christopher Jackson (yes, another “Hamilton” star), just took over the role of Davis in “Hell’s Kitchen.”
“Hell’s Kitchen” is currently playing at the Sam S. Shubert Theater.
Bug
“Bug,” a play from acclaimed American playwright and actor Tracy Letts, will make its Broadway premiere this winter. Namir Smallwood stars in the play alongside Carrie Coon, who appeared in the latest season of “The White Lotus.” The official synopsis from Playbill reads: “Set in a seedy Oklahoma motel room, Bug centers on the unlikely romance between a lonely waitress and a mysterious and paranoid drifter. The longer they talk, the more the waitress begins to adopt his neuroses.”
“Bug” begins performances on December 18 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
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