Wayne Brady is stepping away from the stage to focus on his health. The five-time Emmy winner has withdrawn from the Off-Broadway production of Ms. Blakk for President after experiencing vocal strain and being diagnosed with a polyp on his vocal cords. Brady said he plans to undergo a procedure and hopes to return to the stage next year fully recovered.
via Deadline:
A “heartbroken” Wayne Brady has withdrawn from the upcoming Off Broadway production of Ms. Blakk For President due to a vocal polyp and the need for vocal rest as ordered by his doctor, producers said today.
His role of Terence Alan Smith/Joan Jett Blakk will now be assumed by Tony Award nominee Ato Blankson-Wood (Slave Play).
“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 in a statement. “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%.
“I’m heartbroken to leave a show and a family that I love so deeply,” he continued. “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.”
The play, set to be the first Vineyard Theatre production of the 2026-2027 season, is co-written by Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight, Choir Boy) and Tony Award nominee Tina Landau (Floyd Collins). Landau also directs.
