A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical, which played New Orleans and Chicago in October 2023, will arrive on Broadway in the fall.
Aladdin Tony winner James Monroe Iglehart, currently on Broadway in the revival of Spamalot, will again star as the late jazz legend. Previews will begin October 16 at Studio 54 prior to an official opening November 11.
READ: King Arthur, Louis Armstrong—James Monroe Iglehart Is in His Leading Man Phase
Conceived by Tony nominee Christopher Renshaw (The King and I, Taboo), who also directs, and novelist Andrew Delaplaine, A Wonderful World has an original book by author Aurin Squire (This Is Us) and features songs made popular by Armstrong. The new musical tells the story of jazz legend Louis Armstrong, from his early days in New Orleans through five decades of international stardom, through the eyes of the women in his life.
Additional casting and the full creative team will be announced at a later date.
“I am so excited to bring this wonderful brand-new musical to Broadway,” Iglehart said in a statement. “American music wouldn’t be what it is today without Louis Armstrong, and what is Broadway if not American music? ‘Pops’ doesn’t get enough credit for his contribution to our entertainment industry or our country. I know I have never studied, researched, or prepared for anything as much in my career as I have for this role. I feel such a strong connection and an obligation to bring his voice, his music, and his story to the one place where it can be presented in all its glory–Broadway! I can’t wait for you all to become a part of A Wonderful World.”
Thomas E. Rodgers, Jr., Renee Rodgers, Martian Entertainment (Carl D. White and Gregory Rae), Vanessa Williams, and Elizabeth Curtis will produce A Wonderful World, which mirrors Armstrong’s own musical path as a trumpeter and vocalist from New Orleans to Chicago.
A Wonderful World is being presented in association with Roundabout Theatre Company and will be included in Roundabout’s subscription packages.
READ: 'The Man Behind the Trumpet': A Wonderful World Aims to Tell Louis Armstrong's Story
Miami New Drama produced the world premiere of A Wonderful World in December 2021 at the Colony Theatre.
Tickets for the Broadway production will be available at CriterionTicketing.com, with the on-sale date to be announced at a later date. Visit LouisArmstrongMusical.com.
Look back at the 2023 production in the photo gallery below:
James Monroe Iglehart, Jennie Harney-Fleming, Khalifa White, Ta'Rea Campbell, and Brennyn Lark in A Wonderful World
James Monroe Iglehart and Ta'Rea Campbell in A Wonderful World
Jennie Harney-Fleming and James Monroe Iglehart in A Wonderful World
Ta'Rea Campbell in A Wonderful World
James Monroe Iglehart and company of A Wonderful World
DeWitt Fleming, Jr., James Monroe Iglehart, and company of A Wonderful World
James Monroe Iglehart and DeWitt Fleming, Jr. in A Wonderful Wolrd
Jennie Harney-Fleming, Khalifa White, and Ta'Rea Campbell in A Wonderful World
Brennyn Lark and James Monroe Iglehart in A Wonderful World
Khalifa White, James Monroe Iglehart, Brennyn Lark, and Jennie Harney-Fleming in A Wonderful World
James Monroe Iglehart in A Wonderful World
Khalifa White, Jennie Harney-Fleming, and Ta'Rea Campbell in A Wonderful World
Jennie Harney-Fleming and James Monroe Iglehart in A Wonderful World
James Monroe Iglehart in A Wonderful World
Khalifa White, James Monroe Iglehart, and company of A Wonderful World
James Monroe Iglehart in A Wonderful World
Company of A Wonderful World
Company of A Wonderful World
Company of A Wonderful World
Ta'Rea Campbell, Khalifa White, Jennie Harney-Fleming, and Brennyn Lark in A Wonderful World
Khalifa White, Jennie Harney-Fleming, Ta'Rea Campbell, and Brennyn Lark in A Wonderful World
