Broadway debut

Marking his return to the Manhattan Theatre Club, Ruben Santiago-Hudson presents the Broadway debut of his one-man play, Lackawanna Blues. Telling the story of Santiago-Hudson's childhood, when as a young boy, he met the nurturing Miss Rachel, (affectionately known as Nanny), a Boarding house owner in the town of Lackawanna, New York. A life-changing experience, Santiago Jr recounts his time with Nanny and her wonderful approach to life in this heartfelt and uplifting tapestry of memories. Set to the music of Bill Sims Jr., Santiago transforms into over 20 characters, including the boarding house guests who touched his life.

Set during the 1950s and 1960s, the play depicts the prominence of soul and blues music in a harsh racial climate and a segregated society. It debuted off-Broadway in 2001 to acclaimed reviews, with Santiago-Hudson receiving an OBIE special citation and musician Sims Jr. receiving an OBIE for his music.