Open the Doors
Thoughts of a Colored Man producer Kandi Burruss is celebrating the official opening of Broadway's new production at the Golden Theatre by giving E! News a look inside the making of a special show.
BTS Magic
Playright Keenan Scott II and fellow producer Samira Wiley joined Kandi in celebrating the start of Broadway's show. "To be able to enjoy the theater again and see the creativity and all these stories being brought to life onstage, it's just been awesome," Kandi told E! News. "It's time! All of these creators needed to get back to work so I'm happy to be part of it."
Taking Notes
"I know a lot of people may know me from the creative side or in front of cameras, but it's just important for me to learn the behind-the-scenes portion of whatever I do," Kandi said about her role as producer. "When I had the opportunity to come back to the show as a producer, I was so excited because I love theater and I love Broadway."
Backstage Secrets
"As a producer, you're worried about everything," Kandi explained. "If there are problems happening, we have to figure out how to fix it…We could never get comfortable as producers."
First Timers
"It's my first time being a producer on Broadway and a few of the cast members are making their Broadway debut as well," Kandi shared. "Luke James and I are both on Showtime's The Chi together, so it's cool. We went straight from filming and going straight into the processes of this together."
The True Stars
Luke James, Esau Pritchett, Da'Vinchi, Dyllón Burnside, Tristan Mack Wilds and Forrest McClendon star in Thoughts of a Colored Man. While Kandi is quick to sing the praises of every actor, there is one getting some extra love. "When people come to the show, everybody leaves talking about Forrest and his performance," she teased.
Kandi's Mission
"I want people to walk away feeling like they saw a piece of themselves in some of the characters in the show," Kandi shared. "A lot of men have been shown in the light or in the news as one way, as aggressive and violent, all these negative things. But there are so many different thoughts, views, emotions of Black men and we do not need to be seen as one note."