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New Producers Join A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical
A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical has welcomed three new producers—Tonya Lewis Lee, Mathew Knowles, and Les Coney—adding to the team’s extensive experience in entertainment, brand marketing, and finance. This announcement comes ahead of the musical’s anticipated opening night at Studio 54 on November 11.
Tonya Lewis Lee: Advocate for Health and Arts
Tonya Lewis Lee brings over two decades of diverse experience in media production. She served as the Executive Producer of the Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It and produced the Nickelodeon limited series Miracle’s Boys, adapted from the novel by Jacqueline Woodson. Furthermore, Lee produced the film adaptation of Walter Dean Myers’ acclaimed novel Monster, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2018 and is now available on Netflix. Lee’s recent work, Aftershock, also premiered at Sundance in 2022 and explores the critical issue of maternal mortality in the U.S., winning the Special Jury Award for Impact for Change.
In addition to her production work, Lee authored the acclaimed children’s book Please Baby Please and the adult novel Gotham Diaries. Her advocacy for maternal and child health is exemplified through her involvement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she led campaigns to raise awareness about infant mortality. Lee is also the founder of Movita Organics, a brand focused on providing nutritional support for women. She holds memberships in several prestigious organizations, including the Writers Guild of America and the Producer’s Guild of America, and was recognized by Forbes as one of the 50 Over 50 in 2023.
Mathew Knowles: A Powerhouse in Branding and Marketing
Mathew Knowles is a highly regarded figure in sales, marketing, and brand management with a track record of generating over $5 billion in revenue across various sectors. He is celebrated for his role in shaping the careers of iconic artists such as Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child, working with major brands like Pepsi and American Express. His insights have earned him recognition as a “LinkedIn Top Voice,” placing him among prominent figures such as Bill Gates and Richard Branson.
Knowles holds multiple degrees, including an MBA and a Ph.D., and has authored five books, with two becoming Amazon best sellers. He currently teaches at both the London College of Contemporary Music and Pepperdine University, where he shares his expertise in branding and marketing.
Les Coney: Negocios y Arte
As Executive Vice President in Mesirow’s Office of the Chairman, Les Coney manages corporate relationships and business development. He previously held the position of National Sales Director at Aon and has over 35 years in the financial sector. Coney is deeply involved in the arts and community service, having served as Chairman of The Goodman Theatre’s board and as a Trustee for the Art Institute of Chicago, among other organizations.
Coney’s civic involvement also extends to supporting initiatives like the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation and roles in political finance committees during presidential campaigns. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from George Williams University.
Star Cast of A Wonderful World
A Wonderful World features Tony Award-winning actor James Monroe Iglehart as Louis Armstrong. The musical also highlights the performances of Darlesia Cearcy, Kim Exum, Dionne Figgins, and Jennie Harney-Fleming, who portray Armstrong’s four wives. The cast includes 26 members, among them Trista Dollison, DeWitt Fleming Jr., and Jason Forbach, contributing to a vibrant theatrical experience.
Creative Team and Production Details
The production, co-conceived by Andrew Delaplaine and Christopher Renshaw, features a book by Aurin Squire. Renshaw directs, with Iglehart and Christina Sajous as co-directors. The choreography is spearheaded by Rickey Tripp, with tap choreography by DeWitt Fleming Jr.
Musical elements are orchestrated by Grammy-winning Branford Marsalis, with music direction by Darryl G. Ivey. The design aspects—including scenic and video design by Adam Koch and Steven Royal—mark their Broadway debut. Tony Award nominee Toni-Leslie James is responsible for costume design, while Cory Pattak manages lighting design, and the sound design is by Tony Award winner Kai Harada.
This impressive assemblage of talent underlines A Wonderful World’s commitment to delivering an engaging tribute to the life and artistry of Louis Armstrong.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com