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For general questions about reservations or event details, please contact the DC Public Library location you are planning to visit. For those in need of disability services related to event registration or room reservation, please reach out to the Center for Accessibility at 202-727-2142 or DCPLaccess@dc.gov. |
The MLK Library is excited to host the makers and artists of "Little Girl Blue" a new musical about the iconic artist and civil rights activist Nina Simone.
"Little Girl Blue" is a powerful and penetrating new musical on Nina Simone. Her ascension from child prodigy to recognized "High Priestress of Soul" and civil rights activist - to her ultimate decline, battling depression and mental health issues - this story as conceived by Laiona Michelle, is told through the groundbreaking music that Nina helped to make famous.
Join Tony Award-winning Producer, Rashad V. Chambers from the cast and crew of Little Girl Blue to discuss their journey of bringing Nina Simone's story to life through Broadway. A small snippet of the musical will be performed and the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions. Learn more about the cast below and register to reserve your seat.
For reasonable accommodations, please contact the Center for Accessibility at 202-727-2142 or DCPLaccess@dc.gov. For ASL or tactile interpretation, please allow at least seven (7) days notice.
Meet the Artist
Laiona Michelle (Actress/Writer/Director) She is the creator of the award-winning musical, Little Girl Blue and Mandela which recently had its world premiere in London at the Young Vic 2022.
Laiona Michelle is the recipient of the Broadway Alliance Award and Lilly Award (2022); the Barrymore and Carbonell Awards (2004); and the NAACP Hollywood Award (2005). Laiona was also nominated for numerous awards, including the Lucille Lortel(2022) and the Helen Hayes Award (2005).
Laiona Michelle made her Broadway debut in 2015 in the musical, Amazing Grace, which opened at the Nederlander. Some of her TV/Film credits include Lift, All My Children, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The Blacklist, Crashing, Amazon’s Sneaky Pete, and Blue Bloods.
Currently, Laiona Michelle is directing Emily Mann's Having Our Say, at the George Street Playhouse where she now resides in the role of Artistic Associate. Laiona Michelle earned her MFA from Brandeis University in 2000.
Meet the Producer
Rashad V. Chambers is a Tony Award winning producer, talent manager and lawyer. Rashad recently produced the New York premiere of the award winning musical Little Girl Blue: The Nina Simone Musical. His Broadway producing credits include American Son, Ain’t Too Proud, Betrayal, The Inheritance, Caroline, or Change, The Music Man and Topdog/Underdog. Rashad attended Morehouse College where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. He also earned his JD and MBA degrees from The Ohio State University. Rashad is a founding member of The Industry Standard Group as well as a board member of On Broadway Performing Arts Training Program and Houses on the Moon Theater Company.
AGE GROUP: | Adults | 13 - 19 Years Old (Teens) |
EVENT TYPE: | Musical Performance | Lecture | Educational Program |
