The women behind the man have a compelling story to tell in A WONDERFUL WORLD. There’s no question that Louis Armstrong’s success and art was fueled and supported by the women he adored. Knowing we had big shoes to fill, casting these roles wasn’t easy. But each of our lead actresses blew us away by embodying the intelligence, passion, instincts and grace that helped propel Armstrong from through the trajectory of his life.
Lana Gordon (Lil Harden) is thrilled to join the cast of A Wonderful World. Recent New York credits include Hello Again with the Drama League, Velma Kelly in Chicago on Broadway, Soul Sister/Jesus Christ Superstar (2000 Revival) and the roles of Nala and Shenzi in The Lion King (Original Broadway Company). National/International Tours: Velma Kelly/Chicago, Dionne/Hair, Anita/West Side Story. In Europe, she performed the roles of Carmen inCarmen Cubana, Velma Kelly/Chicago, Deloris/Sister Act, Kala/Tazan, in German. Regional: Shug Avery/The Color Purple (Portland Center Stage) The Acid Queen/Tommy (Gateway Playhouse) Lana danced with Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble and Donald Byrd The Group. As a Vocalist, she has sung with Jazz at Lincoln Center in Doha, Qatar as well as Kaunas Symphony Orchestra. Lana also toured the U.S. as a Spokesperson and Vocalist for TD Bank. TV: 52nd Annual TONY Awards (CBS), David Letterman (NBC) The Rosie O´Donnell Show (NBC) and numerous Commercials. Film: Here Again, Harlem Town and Cabin. Instagram: @lanajeangordon
Dionne Figgins (Daisy Parker) began her career as a member of Dance Theatre of Harlem, under the direction of Arthur Mitchell, dancing lead roles in Serenade, Four Temperaments, Agon, and Concerto Barocco. She also appeared as a guest artist with Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Broadway credits include Hot Feet, Memphis, Leap of Faith, and Motown the Musical. Regional/Off-Broadway credits include Trip of Love , Chicago, and Smokey Joe’s Café. Film/TV credits include Power, Flesh and Bone(Yasmine), Bolden. She is the co-founder of Broadway Serves, a non-profit organization whose mission is to connect theater professionals to community service opportunities. Proud member of AEA/SAG.
Nicole Henry (Alpha Smith) is delighted to perform with Miami New Drama. Henry returned to musical theatre in 2019 as Nicki in The Bodyguard, though has toured in over 20 countries as a recording artist since launching her career in Miami Beach after graduating from University of Miami. She’s earned a Soul Train Award for “Best Traditional Jazz Performance” and three Top 10 jazz albums in the U.S. and Japan. She’s received stellar reviews from The New York Times, Billboard, Jazz Times, Miami Herald, Tokyo Times, Broadway World, El Pais and more. Henry returns to the Colony in December with her 8thAnnual Winter Fundraising Concert! @nicolehenrymusic
Darlene Hope (Lucille Wilson) OFF BROADWAY: Sistas The Musical, Normalcy. REGIONAL: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, American Stage Theatre Company, Playhouse on Park, Polk Theatre, Norwegian Cruise Line, TheatreWorksUSA. FILM: Commedia By Fava. TELEVISION: FBI, God Friended Me (CBS). NEW MEDIA: Don’t Shoot The Messenger, A Visit From Aunt Flo, When Bae Doesn’t Pay Attention. EDUCATION: MFA in Acting, Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training; BA in Theatre Arts, University of South Florida. Miss Hope is the author of several plays, screenplays, and faith-based journals. She is the founder of HopeFull Productions.
