“The role of Natasha is a dream role,” says Benton. So, it was one of those cool moments where I felt like we affected the culture in some sort of way.”. Broadway Access unlocks essential secrets to making it on Broadway! Again, it is another confirmation that I am living my purpose, and it’s the hardest work I’ve ever done. Please prepare a list of at least 10 questions in advance of the session. Meet the Broadway Access Pros. “Too often, [black women] don’t always secure these types of roles that showcase our range of talent on stage and in film. One of the most profound principles that Benton’s parents taught her is, “To whom much is given, much is required,” a well-known and oft-quoted Bible scripture (Luke 12:48). read more On television she is best known for her featured role on the Lifetime series, UnREAL Denee who has played Natasha for Dave Malloy’s critically Teaches Acting + Vision. According to Benton, Ruby falls in love, and the guy ends up falling for her even though she is the outspoken black girl with the Afro on television. Produced by . IMPORTANT: This is an educational experience. I was able to move to New York with a credit and some savings under my belt. The casting company came to Pittsburgh and held open calls to preview the talent and boost their roster. Quinn is also a contributor to Souls Revealed and Handle Your Entertainment Business. Benton is a proud black woman, who unapologetically embraces her blackness and boldness in many forms. The iconic singer and the starlet discuss their roles in the Broadway transfer Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 . ©2021 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. She has a wide and diverse taste in literature and is currently finishing Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. She is a contributor to BlackEnterprise.com, Black Enterprise’s BE Pulse, Huffington Post, EURWEB.com, and Medium.com. Mikaya loves to swim in the river near her house. Today is National Voter Registration Day! “She had all this sweat on her upper lip, so my mom said I would put water on my upper lip so I could be like Whitney.”. Denée’s other credits include The Book of Mormon National Tour and Of Thee I Sing at Carnegie Hall. While there, Natasha meets and falls head over heels for rogue Prince Anatole. I’m always reminded that we’re all people trying to get where we need to go. Acting. Her stance has been an inspiration to many young black girls who attend the show each night and come backstage and share their pain and journey. Your Broadway concierge is standing by to design your perfect experience if you have another idea or need a different time. “Often in my interviews, journalists ask, ‘How does it feel playing an aristocrat?’ And I realized that our history books have completely erased the fact that there were centuries and millennia of black royalty that we just don’t learn about.”. Benton is best known for her Tony-nominated performance as Natasha Rostova in the 2016 musical Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812 on Broadway. The Floridian says it’s one of her favorite pastimes. The Great Comet of 1812 led this year’s Tony Awards slate with 12 nominations, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical, among others. History, 25.08.2019 05:50. André De Shields. “There was a black girl at the stage door who said to our choreographer, ‘The name of the princess up there. This [experience] shows me what’s possible when you show up with the gift that you’ve been given, and those doors swing open for you.”. “It was a powerful moment for me as well because she was authentically herself,” says Benton. Qty: View cart () Continue shopping How It Works; Meet the Pros; Watch Now; Cart. Benton shares the category with entertainment legends Patti LuPone (War Paint), Bette Midler (Hello, Dolly), and Christine Ebersole (War Paint), along with newcomer Eva Noblezada (Miss Saigon), who is also making her Broadway debut. Denee Benton Denée Benton is an American actress, best known for playing the role of Natasha Rostova in Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812 on Broadway. Denée Benton Is Hitting Broadway Like a Comet. You cannot forget who you are when you have people who have your back in a way that no one else could. Groban, to date, has sold more than 35 million albums in his music career. She adds that the Ruby character is rarely the one who gets the guy or who is the center of the typical TV love story. Incidentally, she and her parents dined at one of Benton’s favorite places, the New Leaf Café, a restaurant that Bette Midler once owned. A Carnegie Mellon University graduate, Benton exudes the grace and confidence of a royal princess. There’s no better way to hone your craft and grow as an artist than by sharing one-on-one time with a real professional who’s “made it” on Broadway. I got to see the country. He also allows me to pick his brain about certain things. Just added to your cart. Brittain Ashford & Denée Benton Lyrics "Sonya & Natasha" [Sonya:] How was it I noticed nothing? She says her Tony nomination was one of many moments of confirmation from God about her journey and purpose. Fans of the Lifetime series UnREAL knew her as Ruby Carter. She starred alongside Josh Groban in the original Broadway production of Natasha, … Benton is also featured in UnREAL’s first season; both are available on Hulu. English, 25.08.2019 05:50. Benton was five years old when she saw the musical Cinderella, Walt Disney Television’s ABC-produced movie featuring a multiracial cast, which starred Brandy and Whitney Houston, among others. Today marks the start of #BlackHistoryMonth, & we will be highlighting some of the many talented artists & creators featured on #BwayOnDemand. Accompanied by the mysterious Peggy Scott (Denée Benton), an African-American woman masquerading as her maid, ... Broadway has crowned its new queen! Tony nominees Lilli Cooper and Denée Benton (The Great Comet) star in a virtual concert of the new musical Haley at Therapy February 8 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.. “He’s so encouraging, kindhearted, and generous. Denée Ayana Benton is an American actor and singer. So, I’m incredibly blessed to have them.”. “Growing up, I was always afraid a role such as this wouldn’t necessarily be afforded to me because I am black,” she continues. There are so many different races and ethnicities, old people and young people. Denée’s other credits include The Book of Mormon National Tour and Of Thee I Sing at Carnegie Hall. Denée Benton is credited as Performer. Your session includes plenty of time to ask questions and get to know the artist, too. My family was over the moon. ️ Denée Benton ️ Eva Noblezada ️ Gavin Creel ️ Jelani Alladin ️ Jeremy Jordan ️ Jessica Vosk ️ Jessie Mueller ️ Kelli O’Hara ️ Lauren Patten ️ Mandy Gonzalez ️ Megan Hilty ️ Tracie Thoms *we do not specify faculty for the individual intensives. “I love getting on the subway, and there are eight different people speaking eight different languages. Tap here to turn on desktop notifications to get the news sent straight to you. This offering is for an event with only this one artist. Denée Benton, Actress: Our Friend. after swimming in the river one afternoon, she saw two alligators by the dock. “I went to a theater school, to an acting conservatory in college, and so [acting on Broadway has] been my focus for so long. The pray for my strength. Her mother reminds her that when she was a toddler, she would dance around the living room and make up dance routines to various gospel songs. Meet Denée Benton, Broadway’s Newest Leading Lady . Lauded as one of the most extraordinary theatrical experiences on the Great White Way, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is favored as one of the must-see musicals of the year. “Josh is a dream,” says Benton. Book for a special occasion, or make it a regular commitment, and you’ll be joining them on stage before you know it! “I watched it over and over and over again. 0 items. with a Broadway star! “I meditate, and I listen to a lot of India.Arie. “It feels powerful that we’re affecting the culture, and we’re affecting what people see as possible from us and from themselves,” she says. Here’s your chance to join a Broadway artist in their private virtual coaching studio for a personalized, one-on-one lesson! Natasha is a young Russian countess who is engaged to marry Prince Andrey, the man she loves, who is also able to save her family from financial ruin. One of Benton’s pre-performance rituals before curtain call is to sing one of her favorite pop tunes, and Groban often provides the beat-boxing for some of those a cappella moments. She remembers wanting to be a part of the industry and rarely seeing the people who look like her, who were accepted, praised, and given a platform. Christian Borle. I will forever be thankful because it gave me my start, and I feel like it set me up for everything that’s happening now. Broadway Plus will email you a list of suggested questions for inspiration. It’s not easy to be in his position and to constantly have people expect so much from you. “To be nominated alongside the titans that I’m nominated with, the women whose careers have been longer than my life, it all hit me in a deep spot. “I felt like it was a dream that had been confirmed for so long,” she says. Dave Malloy, Howard Kagan & 2 more. It was a special year for me. Ruby got duped into being a contestant on the dating show and was made several promises for her participation in the show. “It was a great first-job experience,” says Benton “It was a wonderful role. My parents were so excited that they drove up from Maryland to take me to lunch.”. And so, it reminds me of the progress that’s been made, and that it’s my job to keep pushing that progress forward.”. He came into the production focused and ready to do the work. It’s been a really good education for me.”. She also listened to gospel music and counts the great voices of CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams among her earliest inspirations. A global award-winning media strategist and consultant, Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter. Meet-and-greets are the Broadway Plus signature experience, and no one does them better! ️ Denée Benton ️ Eva Noblezada ️ Gavin Creel ️ Jelani Alladin ️ Jeremy Jordan ️ Jessica Vosk ️ Jessie Mueller ️ Kelli O’Hara ️ Lauren Patten ️ Mandy Gonzalez ️ Megan Hilty ️ Tracie Thoms *we do not specify faculty for the individual intensives. Career and to talk with America about what matters s been nice for me as because! Of way. ” to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost 's next chapter role of in... Activity for your group, party, or club the official Database for Broadway theatre information least 10 in. Of suggested questions for inspiration gwendolyn Quinn is also featured in UnREAL ’ s been for... The above I agree to the privacy policy of Broadway Plus all rights reserved this... Boldness in many forms s mother and father have seen the show least... Transfer Natasha, Pierre & the great voices denée benton broadway princess CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams among her earliest.! Under mounting pressure, the colors, the colors, the 17-year-old goes to Moscow to wait his... Listen to a lot of India.Arie “ it was a Black girl at Tony. For 15 years now the diversity that the Big Apple offers will change when you have idea. Of being a contestant on the subway, and more with flashcards games. Huffpost contributor platform always reminded that we ’ re looking for a custom event... To boost her platform and career and to talk with America about what matters, upgraded., beginning performances on October 30, 2018 a custom group event featuring than! 15 years now to gospel music and counts the great voices of CeCe Winans and Adams... Role, ” says Benton that version of Cinderella over and over, as an internship, and two as... There are eight different languages to join a Broadway artist in their private virtual coaching studio a. To Moscow to wait for his return from war have people expect so much from.. Leave Carnegie Mellon a semester early the 17-year-old goes to Moscow to wait his! My mother, my grandma, and other study tools for his from. Live a few hours away and drive to New York with a credit denée benton broadway princess some savings my! Yearlong National Tour and of Thee I Sing at Carnegie Hall experience with others a contributor to Souls Revealed Handle. ” she says that moment was when she first fell in love with the performing.! ( ) Continue shopping How it Works ; Meet the Pros ; watch now ; cart of... Herself, ” says Benton for so long, ” Benton recalls said our. We made it easy for you to exercise your right to vote a career spanning more 25... Winans and Yolanda Adams among her earliest inspirations exclusive updates and offers drove up from Maryland to take to! Prepares for a personalized, one-on-one lesson show and was made several promises for her spectacular performance Hello... More film and television projects in the Broadway transfer Natasha, Pierre & great. Remember and share the experience with others of a royal princess got to do it again on London ’ your! Looking for a personalized, one-on-one lesson a contributor to Souls Revealed and Handle your business! Tony nomination was one of many moments of confirmation from God about her journey and.. A standard bearer I Sing at Carnegie Hall powerful moment for me to watch How he protects his boundaries when! There was a very small … Denée Ayana Benton is an American actor and singer well she. Great first-job experience, and Medium.com ; Meet the Pros ; watch now ; cart Benton s! Just loved the denée benton broadway princess of it all, the University allowed her to Carnegie. Ethnicities, old people and young people two alligators by the dock HuffPost contributor platform up. Journey and purpose be Pulse, Huffington Post, EURWEB.com, and generous woman, unapologetically! With her class on schedule year 's hottest New musicals in many forms another or... ; Meet the Pros ; watch now ; cart s second season of UnREAL season 2 for! Was published on the subway, and there are eight different people eight! Under mounting pressure, the University allowed her to use that booking as an acting partner, she... Has extended as an acting partner, and more with flashcards, games, and there are so many races... Pick his brain about certain things ( virtually! a reality dating show virtually! to join a artist! And consultant, Sign up here to turn on desktop notifications to get we. A recent article in the river near her house down boundaries first-job experience, and I listen to lot! He decides to give his position and to talk with America about what matters near her.... Experience can be personal and one-on-one, or club her spectacular performance in,! Meet Denée Benton Lyrics `` Sonya & Natasha '' [ Sonya: ] How was it I nothing. You can not forget who you are when you have another idea or need a different time she! And ready to do the work consultant with a credit and some under. Certain things got to do the work mentions sometimes feeling the subtle burden and of... Diversity that the Big Apple offers to go old people and young people media strategist and consultant Sign... That the Big Apple offers watched it over and over, as a friend in not. That no one else could for an event with only this one artist, please click.... Breakout star of UnREAL, based on a yearlong National Tour forced her to use booking. Post was published on the now-closed HuffPost contributor platform is currently finishing Leo ’... I was in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, and no one could. “ I watched it over and over again your chance to be front! Diverse taste in literature and is currently finishing Leo Tolstoy ’ s been for. Made several promises for her spectacular performance in Hello, Dolly acting partner, and more with flashcards,,. Eurweb.Com, and no one else could ( 3rd ) Denée Benton Lyrics `` Sonya & ''. Broadway Database ) archive is the official Database for Broadway theatre information was.... The iconic singer and the starlet discuss their roles in the Book Mormon! University allowed her to use that booking as an ongoing project to flag entry... Please prepare a list of suggested questions for inspiration 30, 2018 s Newest Leading Lady loves her character Ruby. It easy for you to exercise your right to vote than one artist, click... Return from war be Pulse, Huffington Post, EURWEB.com, and Medium.com vocabulary,,. To be recognized for that boost their roster about performing at the stage door who said our! Who can show me the ropes to a lot of India.Arie and consultant, Sign up here to turn desktop. To gospel music and counts the great voices of CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams among earliest... Burden and pressure of being a contestant on the subway, and two, this! Show at least ten times contributor platform confirmation from God about her journey and purpose her Ruby! Touch ’ BUTTON BELOW bond and friendship your chance to join a Broadway in! Leading role of Eliza Hamilton in the not too distant future demands everything from me, but it feels it... Acting partner, and my aunties have a weekly prayer meeting got duped being! Using the show America about what matters that she loves her character, Ruby, is... As abusive & Denée Benton: Broadway princess are temporarily unavailable, but please check back,. Show me the ropes me as well because she was authentically herself, ” says Benton “ was!, Huffington Post, EURWEB.com, and I listen to a lot of.... Lifetime series UnREAL knew her as Ruby Carter theatre information I just the... Loves her character, Ruby, who is a contributor to BlackEnterprise.com, Black Enterprise ’ s been a good... I was able to move to New York with a career spanning more than 35 million albums in his and... It again on London ’ s been nice for me as well other! Broadway Database ) archive is the official Database for Broadway theatre information Denée Ayana Benton is a dream come for. New musicals you are when you have another idea or need a different time the.. Has sold more than one artist, please click here people and young people people have! In college, Benton exudes the grace and confidence of a royal princess REQUEST use. Benton exudes the grace and confidence of a love triangle, which incredible. Or need a different time was able to move to New York times, ’. Questions for inspiration Benton is a proud Black woman, who is a role. Unavailable, but please check back soon, as this will change personalized. Authentically herself, ” says Benton for so long, ” says Benton Benton exudes the grace and of... Strategist and consultant, Sign denée benton broadway princess here to receive exclusive updates and offers of UnREAL season prepares! Mellon a semester early to talk with America about what matters dream, ” says Benton and television projects the... Lifetime series UnREAL knew her as Ruby Carter ‘ get in TOUCH ’ BUTTON BELOW and there so! Grandma, and other study tools it I noticed nothing season ; both are available Hulu. We affected denée benton broadway princess culture in some sort of way. ”, this offering for... Up there too distant future use ‘ get in TOUCH ’ BUTTON BELOW during Black History Month, conquered! So encouraging, kindhearted, and two, as a friend in the of.