Multi-hyphenate – and Multi-Tony Winner – Rachanze will be performing a one-night concert at Orlando’s Renaissance Theatre this month, with the theatres to announce today.
Her latest Tony Award-winning Fresh – she picked up one on Sunday as the producer of Best Play “Purpose” – Rachanze will be the headline for the June 30th show in Orlando, celebrating the highlights of her career.
Born in St. Augustine as Ronda Sapp, Rachanze graduated from the College of Arts in Philadelphia, where she studied theater and dance. Her first Broadway credits appeared in 1986 when she danced in the “Uptown … It’s Hot” ensemble.
However, her stage name means Creole’s “charming,” which proved true in her career.
Lachanze created the main role of Ti Moune in 1990’s Broadway production Once On This Island, leading to her first Tony nomination. She later played Sarah in the original production of “Ragtime” after the departure of former cast member Audra McDonald.
In 2005, Lachanze won an OBIE Award for Runaway Slave Dessa Rose, performing in an off-Broadway production of the same name, and for her renowned performance by the actress.
She is nominated again and again – for “Summer: Donna Summer Musical” and “Trouble Mind” – appears in everything from Idina Menzel cars to “If/Then” to “A Christmas Carol”, depicting the ghosts of Christmas presents.
Other notable performances include 2014 dedication at the National November 11th Memorial Museum in New York City, singing the national anthem and performing “Amazing Blessings” in a joint session of Congress, in honor of her late husband who was killed in the terrorist attack.
However, at the later stages, Rachanze focuses on the production of the pieces added to her trophy case. Among the plays she is participating in the production team, “Top Dog/UnderDog” and “Kimberly Akinbo” were named the Best Revival of Theatre and Best Musicals in 2023, respectively.
She also co-produced “The Outsiders.” This was selected as the Best Musical at the 2024 Tonys. In addition to “purpose,” which won this season’s Tony Award, she is also the producer of the highly acclaimed music “Buena Vista Social Club.”
In a statement, Lachanze said she looks forward to returning to her sunlight.
“Performances are always a joy, but performing for a Florida audience brings a warm welcome and a special kind of energy,” she said.
Orlando’s “Wren” Theatre pushes boundaries and creates artistic marks
Founded in 2021, Renaissance Theatre Company has recently brought more nationally known performers into town. Recent appearances include Tony-nominated actor Laura Bell Bundy, who dragged superstars such as Broadway’s “legal blonde” Viral Sensation Natalie Weiss and Kennedida Venport. “Rupaul’s Drag Race” star Alyssa Edwards will perform in theaters on June 28th.
“We always celebrate the incredible local talent in Orlando,” said Donald Lupe, co-founder of Len. “But we are also excited to continue introducing nationally recognized performers like Lachanze to our audience.”
Lachanze’s performance, sponsored by William Daniel Mills Theatre Company and the Florida Theatre Association Harold and the Rose Mills, will also feature Ren’s live house band.
The goal of the evening is to raise money so that the theatre can continue to develop and present new works that advocate for local talent, Lupe said.
“Now in its fourth year, Ren is in a new era of our development and we are moving towards a more focused effort towards fundraising,” he said. “In addition to being incredible music with Lachanze, we hope to raise some funds to help us continue our mission.”
The Lachanze concert will be held at the theatre on June 30th at 8pm. 415E. Princeton St. General-Admition tickets start at $30 and also offer discounted tickets of $20. For more information, visit RentHeatre.com.
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