Hotly Anticipated World Premiere Of That’s Love! The Dorothy Dandridge Musical – Starring Internationally Acclaimed Songstress N’Kenge – Announces Cast And Creative Team

February 21, 2026 Through March 8, 2026

Previews Begin February 19, 2026

Tickets On Sale Now

January 27, 2026 - The Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) along with The N'Kenge Foundation announces today the cast and creative team for its upcoming world premiere stage production of That's Love! The Dorothy Dandridge Musical, starring Tony®, EMMY®, and GRAMMY®-Award nominated international songstress N'Kenge (Motown: The Musical; Caroline, or Change). N'Kenge, who conceived the musical, will direct alongside Broadway veteran Christina Sajous (A Wonderful World, The Louis Armstrong Musical).

That's Love! The Dorothy Dandridge Musical begins previews on February 19, with opening night set for February 21, and runs through March 8 at APAC in Deal Park, NJ. Tickets are on-sale at http://axelrodartscenter.org/ or by phone at 732 531-9106. APAC is conveniently located five minutes from downtown Asbury Park and offers free parking.

"Dorothy Dandridge didn't just break barriers-she redefined the standard," says N'Kenge. " Her legacy lives in every artist who refuses to be diminished, reminding us that excellence itself can be an act of resistance."

The production's creative team brings together award-winning talent across disciplines. Trey Ellis provides the book and lyrics, with Shelton L. Becton serving as composer and music supervisor, providing original music, lyrics, arrangements and orchestrations. Additional Musical arrangements and orchestrations are provided by GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist Everett Bradley. Choreography is by Ray Mercer (Disney's The Lion King), costumes by David "DW" Withrow (Tony® Award-winning Cinderella), scenic design by Adam Koch (Broadway's A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical), sound design by Burt Conrad (Raisin the Musical), and video design by Kylee Loera (Frozen, Fidelio). Wig design is led by Chuck LaPointe, with associate wig designer Loren Skora (MJ The Musical, SUFFS). Gregory Pernicone Jr. is props designer, Renee Hapemanths serves as Creative Artist Liaison, and casting is by Michael Cassara, CSA. The production stage manager is Karen Schleifer, with assistant stage managers Sydnei Williams and Daren Carollo.

The cast features N'Kenge (Dorothy Dandridge), Grace Field (Marilyn Monroe), Hope Divine Jean (Zelda), Dawn Derow Williams (Hedda Hopper), Jeremy Webb (Otto Preminger), Kristen Lyons (Vivian Dandridge), Alexander Rios (Anthony Quinn), Mark Campbell (Earl Mills), and Carrie Compere (Neva). The ensemble includes Ivan Owens, Kiara Williams, Maya Galipeau, Spencer Bethers, Taylor Collier, and Alfred Jordan II, who also serves as dance captain and onstage swing.

Producers include Tony® Award-winner Willette Klausner, Tony® Award-nominee Richard Bell, Alan Steinberg, President/CEO of Park Row Equity Partners, associate producer Michael T. Clarkston (Jersey Boys), plus executive producers Axelrod PAC and The N'Kenge Foundation.

APAC's Executive Artistic Director, Andrew DePrisco shares : "The Axelrod Performing Arts Center couldn't be more excited about presenting the world premiere of this exciting new musical celebrating the life and legacy of one of Hollywood's most neglected icons. We are honored to be working with N'Kenge and her extraordinary creative team to bring this show to our audiences in New Jersey."

That's Love! The Dorothy Dandridge Musical honors the extraordinary life and legacy of Dorothy Dandridge (1922-1965), the groundbreaking actor and singer who became the first Black woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her iconic performance in Carmen Jones (1954). Dandridge was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Porgy & Bess (1959) and performed at leading venues including the Apollo Theatre, the Cotton Club, and the Mocambo Nightclub in Beverly Hills. Tracing Dandridge's journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim, the musical reveals the triumphs, heartbreak, and systemic barriers she faced in pursuit of her dreams. Through stunning choreography, powerhouse vocals, and a sweeping score, the production celebrates her artistry with both reverence and joy. At its core, That's Love! The Dorothy Dandridge Musical explores identity, artistry, motherhood, and legacy - the intimate story of a woman fighting for agency, dignity, and her place in history against extraordinary odds. From the first number through the final curtain call, it's an impassioned and powerful portrait of the "first Black leading lady."

That's Love! The Dorothy Dandridge Musical's journey to the stage has already garnered significant acclaim, beginning with two sold-out nights at Carnegie Hall during its concert debut. It continued building momentum with three sold-out performances at the New York Theatre Festival, where it earned the most nominations and secured the most wins of any production that season. And most recently, the creative team presented an exclusive, invite-only staged reading for industry professionals at the newly renovated Laurie Beechman Theater.

In addition to the world premiere, N'Kenge will appear in two upcoming solo shows at NYC venues Red Rooster Harlem Jazz Room (Jan 27), and Soho Grand Club Room (Jan 31). The evenings will explore the range of N'Kenge's vocal prowess, including songs from her recent album Centerstage -Live from the Ella Fitzgerald Festival , classics from the American Songbook, and numbers from That's Love! The Dorothy Dandridge Musical.

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ABOUT N'KENGE

A five-octave vocal powerhouse, N'Kenge (pronounced "nuh-KEN-JEE") is redefining crossover artistry. Her single "Bewitched", from the album CenterStage: Live from the Ella Fitzgerald Festival, soared to #2 on the smooth jazz charts and drew international acclaim from critics across Italy and South Africa. A Tony, Emmy, and Grammy-nominated performer, N'Kenge has headlined with major orchestras including the Cleveland Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Edmonton Symphony, and Jacksonville Symphony, and performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Madison Square Garden. Her dynamic blend of classical precision and soulful expression has made her a global favorite in pop, opera, and jazz. She has appeared on Broadway in Sondheim on Sondheim, Motown: The Musical, and Caroline, or Change, originated the role of The Moon, and performed at the Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball for President Obama, televised internationally. With over 26 million TikTok views for her hit "Goosebump Moment", N'Kenge continues to bridge classic artistry and modern audiences. In 2026, she premieres a new Motown and Rock 'n' Roll symphonic concert with the Jacksonville Symphony, and leads the world premiere of That's Love: The Dorothy Dandridge Musical at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center.

ABOUT N'KENGE FOUNDATION

The N'Kenge Foundation ( h ttps://www.nkengefoundation.org ) is a 501(c)(3) arts and education nonprofit based in New York and New Jersey. The organization creates opportunities for BIPOC youth and emerging artists through performance, mentorship, and culturally grounded programming. Its initiatives include Harmony of Heritage for Black History Month, Beyond the Spotlight for Women's History Month, and the Are You the Next Showstopper?! National talent competition, which awards its winners a fully funded training residency in Europe. The Foundation also supports new theatrical works, community engagement events, and arts access for schools. Through performance, education, and storytelling, the N'Kenge Foundation works to uplift diverse voices and expand pathways into the performing arts. The foundation is proud to continue empowering students by integrating music, mindfulness, and financial literacy into school communities. The foundation is proud to have the support of their board members Anzhelika Steen-Olsen, Jim Friedlander, Stephanie Rosenberg and Vivian Zhang.

ABOUT AXELROD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (APAC)

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) ( http://axelrodartscenter.org/ ) is a leading cultural institution on the Jersey Shore, committed to producing and presenting a diverse range of artistic performances. As a multi-disciplinary arts organization, APAC collaborates with Broadway directors, choreographers, and designers to produce professionally staged musicals, ballets, and cultural programs that enrich the imaginative, intellectual and creative soul of our community. Its productions showcase the talents of professional actors, dancers and singers, delivering world-class entertainment to audiences.

For more information, contact Shore Fire Media's Rebecca Shapiro, Moya Crowley & Anna Hudson at [email protected]