Baltimore native André de Shields—an Emmy, Tony, Drama Desk, and Grammy Award winner; a 45-year multidisciplinary theatre professional; and an adjunct professor at Gallatin School of Individualized Study, New York University—has a run scheduled at NYC’s venerable cabaret, 54 Below. Tickets are certain to sell out long before the show’s opening night.
performance in Hadestown on Broadway.
In February 2024, De Shields will celebrate the anniversary of (and reprise) his 1992 Broadway musical review Haarlem Nocturne—a show he wrote, choreographed, directed, and starred in.
From 54 Below:
André De Shields’ Haarlem Nocturne opened on Broadway at the Latin Quarter. About the show, The New York Amsterdam News reported, “It’s a sensational musical … the cast is knocking them out of their socks with their sizzling performances. And it’s very contemporary, although it does pay homage to the best of Black music’s past, present, and with its original songs, future.”
Now, 78-year-old showstopper De Shields is back with a celebration of his eponymous Broadway musical from four decades ago. Expect roof-raising recreations of the beloved music from the show, never-before-heard stories, and even a reunion or two, as well as the wit, elegance and charm that the master entertainer has become known for.
In a joyful ceremony this afternoon, the 1800 block of Division Street in Baltimore was renamed André De Shields Way.
Information on tickets at 54 Below.
Video of the street naming celebration via WBAL TV.
And De Shields’ acceptance speech at the 2019 Tony Awards:
