My approach is best summed up in one word: balance. Balance between realizing the creative vision of a piece while honoring its production needs; knowing when to collaborate and when to take the lead, while always bringing my enthusiasm for a project. Underlying this is the fundamental desire to elevate every project through my passion, diligence, and my extensive skill set.
“A WONDERFUL WORLD” NEW MUSICAL ABOUT LOUIS ARMSTRONG
A Wonderful World, a new musical about Louis Armstrong, tells the story of his life, music and singular legacy through the voices of his four wives. Teaming up with my husband, Michael O. Mitchell (Apollo Theater; Broadway: Motown), we are commissioned by Miami New Drama to write, arrange and orchestrate the score for this important new piece.
Alongside scriptwriter Aurin Squire (This Is Us, The Good Fight), choreographer Rickey Tripp (The Choir Boy, Jesus Christ Superstar Live), and director Christopher Renshaw (Drama Desk winner and Tony nominee). The brand new musical is scheduled to world premiere at the Colony Theater in Miami in 2021.
CYNTHIA ERIVO STARS IN CONCERT FROM LINCOLN CENTER
Thrilled to be the music director, arranger and orchestrator for Cynthia Erivo’s performance in the 17-time Emmy Award-winning series Live from Lincoln Center Presents Stars in Concert. Cynthia’s relatively short career has already been heavily decorated: after winning Tony, Emmy and Grammy awards and an Oscar nomination, she is now just one award away from the coveted EGOT status.
DON’T BOTHER ME I CAN’T COPE AT CITY CENTER ENCORES!
Honored to Music Direct / Arrange “Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope”, choreographed and directed by the legendary Savion Glover. With music and lyrics from Micki Grant, this story is a celebration of African-American culture and community. Originally conceived and directed by the first African-American woman to direct on Broadway, Vinnette Carroll, the show brings issues of race politics to the American stage, using a blend of gospel, jazz, soul, calypso, and rock to create voices for change - incredibly poignant for a time when we greatly need to hear these voices.
BUBBLY BLACK GIRL AT CITY CENTER ENCORES!
I worked as music director, conductor and pianist for Encores! Off-Center’s production of The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, written by Kirsten Childs and starring Tony Award winner Nikki James. This production was recognized by The New York Times, who hailed its “hot five-person band” and “spectacular vocal arrangements. . .led by Annastasia Victory.”
BILLY PORTER AT HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN NATIONAL DINNER
It was a true honor to music direct for Billy Porter at the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner in D.C. What an unforgettable experience to participate in a cause that does such great work for LGBTQ rights and visibility around the world. I was happy that the camera gave me some facetime—even my high heels got a few minutes of fame!
3 MO' DIVAS ON PBS
Conceived by Marion J. Caffey (creator of Three Mo’ Tenors), I served as music director, conductor, lead pianist, and “Diva of the Keys” for this TV special, in which the divas brought down the house with performances of an impressive 10 styles of music (all arranged and orchestrated by Joseph Joubert). This was an incredible experience I will never forget!
PERFORMERS4PEACE WITH MYKAL KILGORE
I was thrilled to accompany gospel singer and Broadway performer Mykal Kilgore on this Playbill promo video for Performers4Peace, a benefit concert put on by Forest Whitaker’s Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative. I music directed, conducted, orchestrated, and played piano for this concert, which raised money for peace and community building efforts around the world.
FEINSTEIN’S/54 BELOW WITH KENNEDY CAUGHELL
I had the pleasure of music directing and arranging for Joshua Carswell and Kennedy Caughell in their debut concert at Feinstein’s/54 Below. This clip features Kennedy and artist Ginna Claire Mason in a rendition of Wicked’s “For Good.”
THE TODAY SHOW WITH JJ GOSPEL CHOIR
The Middle Church Jerriese Johnson Gospel Choir has a unique mission: they perform to promote LGBTQ, racial and economic justice causes. I was honored to serve as their music director, conductor an accompanist for this Today Show performance at Rockefeller Center.
STOMPING GROUNDS AT GLIMMERGLASS
Stomping Grounds: A Hip-Hopera tells the stories of refugees, immigrants and natives through a fusion of hip hop and opera. I music directed, arranged, orchestrated and played piano for this world premiere performance at the Glimmerglass Festival.