Ep. 75: Inside Broadway w/ Brian Anthony Moreland: Art, Business & Producing Culture

Brian Anthony Moreland is a two-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway producer whose productions include The Piano Lesson, Othello, and Joe Turner's Come and Gone. The only Black lead producer currently working on Broadway, he has helped bring some of the world's most celebrated actors, including Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, Samuel L. Jackson, Taraji P. Henson and Cedric "The Entertainer", to the stage.

Named to EBONY's Power 100 and Variety's Top 10 Broadway Players to Watch, Brian has become one of the defining producers of a new generation, championing ambitious theatre while advocating for greater diversity across the industry.

In this episode, Brian speaks with Chrystal about discovering theatre as a child, the role of a Broadway producer and why creating the conditions for artists to succeed is at the heart of his work.

Together, they discuss August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone, why Wilson remains one of America's most important playwrights and how theatre continues to create space for us to be present and to view stories that deserve to be seen by wider audiences.

They also explore the realities of producing on Broadway today, from assembling creative teams and attracting major Hollywood actors to balancing artistic ambition with commercial risk in one of the most competitive creative industries, as well as what it takes to bring ambitious productions from idea to opening night.

The conversation also touches on representation behind the scenes, Brian's role as Broadway's only Black lead producer and his commitment to widening access to theatre through mentorship, advocacy and leadership across the performing arts.

Looking ahead, Brian reflects on what continues to inspire him and why live performance remains unlike any other art form.

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

Brian Anthony Moreland IG

B More Now Productions

Brian's latest production, August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone, directed by Debbie Allen and marking Taraji P. Henson's Broadway debut, is now playing on Broadway through 26 July.

Front Page Image: Brian Moreland by Emilio Madrid