Wayne Brady has been appearing in the off-Broadway production of Ms. Blakk For President as Terence Alan Smith/Joan Jett Blakk. However, he has announced that he is stepping away from the role due to health issues.
“I couldn’t have imagined when I began this journey with Ms. Blakk For President two years ago that I would have to step away before we finished it together,” Brady said, according to Deadline. “Unfortunately, due to vocal strain and a polyp on my vocal cords, I need to step away from the production immediately. I’ll be having a procedure very shortly, and I’m looking forward to healing and returning to the stage next year at 100%.”
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Brady continued, “I’m heartbroken to leave a show and a family that I love so deeply. Tina, Tarell, this incredible cast and creative team, and everyone at Vineyard Theatre have given me so much love, grace and support. It has been an honor to help tell this beautiful, joyful, defiant story of Black Queerness, and I’m deeply saddened that I won’t be able to continue telling it alongside this extraordinary company. I believe in this show, I love these people, and I’ll be cheering them on with my whole heart.”
Moving forward, the role is going to be played by Ato Blankson-Wood, who is a Tony-nominated actor.
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Vineyard Artistic Director Sarah Stern also spoke about the change. “We are deeply grateful to Wayne for the extraordinary generosity, artistry, and commitment he has brought to Ms. Blakk For President,” Stern said. “We are sending him love and wishing him a very speedy recovery. We are equally thrilled to welcome Ato Blankson-Wood into the role of Terence Alan Smith/Joan Jett Blakk. Ato is an extraordinary artist who brings remarkable range, intelligence, imagination, and presence to his work—from his unforgettable performances in Broadway’s Cabaret and Slave Play to his Hamlet at Shakespeare in the Park.”
According to the official Vineyard Theatre site, Ms. Blakk For President is “inspired—but not bound—by the true story of drag performer and activist Terence Alan Smith.” Tickets are on sale now.