The grand opening celebration will take place on October 10th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring members of the media, the Mayor of Las Vegas, and celebrity guests.
(PRUnderground) September 23rd, 2025
Broadway In The HOOD (Helping Others Open Doors) is proud to announce the first African American–owned and operated education & arts complex in the history of Nevada The Legacy Theatre of Excellence home of Broadway In The HOOD. This theatre is dedicated to empowering aspiring young artists and honoring the rich legacy of African American entertainers who have paved the way such as Tony Award–winner Ben Vereen and Grammy Award–winner, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bubba Knight alongside generations of entertainers, storytellers, and cultural icons across theatre, music, dance, TV, Film, journalism, sports, and beyond.
Emmy- award and Tony nominated Broadway In The HOOD is a 501c3 theatre program based in Las Vegas is dedicated to empowering thousands of young artists of all ages through free, accessible arts education and training. Renowned for tackling social issues and staging Broadway hits like The Wiz, Rent, The Color Purple and Jesus Christ Superstar directed by Ben Vereen, the organization is supported by the community, celebrities, government leaders, and groups such as the NAACP and the American Theatre Wing. True to its mission of ‘Helping Others Open Doors,’ Broadway In The HOOD continues to create life-changing opportunities through arts education, workforce development and community outreach.
The grand opening celebration will take place on October 10th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring members of the media, the Mayor of Las Vegas, and celebrity guests. The event will showcase Broadway In The HOOD’s inspiring journey to The Legacy Theatre of Excellence and will feature live performances, guided tours of the new venue and a special afternoon lunch with the Mayor.
This historic celebration will continue through the weekend with Legacy Outreach Day on Saturday, October 11 at Craig Ranch Park for a Community BBQ and concludes on Sunday, October 12 with Family Day and Community celebration at First African Methodist Episcopal Church. The community is invited to join in the festivities and witness the unveiling of this long-awaited theatre.
The Legacy Theatre of Excellence was founded by Torrey A.Russell. His vision was to create a space where artists from underrepresented communities could showcase their talents and receive the support and resources they need to succeed in the entertainment industry. The theatre’s mission is to provide a platform for diverse artists and to honor the legacy of those who have paved the way.
The grand opening will celebrate the rich legacy of African American entertainers who have paved the way including Tony Award–winner Ben Vereen, a trailblazer in the Broadway community for over five decades. His contributions to the arts and his dedication to mentoring young artists have made him a beloved figure in the industry. The Legacy Theatre of Excellence is honored to celebrate his legacy and continue his mission of uplifting and empowering aspiring artists.
“Opening The Legacy Theatre of Excellence is a dream fulfilled – not just for Broadway In The HOOD., but for the entire Las Vegas community,” said Founder Torrey Russell. “To celebrate this moment alongside Ben Vereen, whose artistry and legacy embody excellence, makes this occasion even more meaningful.”
Ben Vereen gained prominence for his performances in the original Broadway productions of the musicals Jesus Christ Superstar, for which he received a Tony Award nomination, and Pippin, for which he won the 1973 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Vereen played multiple roles in the Broadway production and national tour of Hair, played the role of the Wizard of Oz in Wicked, performed in The musical Chicago as Billy Flyn and among numerous other outstanding Broadway roles.
Ben recently filmed The Gray House,an American Historical drama television series produced by Morgan Freeman and Kevin Costner. He also starred in Bryan Cranston’s Sneaky Pete, and the CBS series B Positive. He will be performing October 12th in NYC in a Stand Up To Cancer concert, and at Myron’s Cabaret Jazz in The Smith Center, Las Vegas on January 23rd-25th 2026.
“The Legacy Theatre of Excellence is a testament to the power of community and the importance of representation in the arts. Join us October 10th 2025 as we cut the ribbon and open the doors to The Legacy Theatre of Excellence, the first African American–owned & operated Theatre Education Complex in the history of the state of Nevada. This momentous occasion also marks Broadway In The HOOD’s 15-Year Anniversary! 15 years of transforming lives through the power of the arts, education, and community.” says Torrey Russell, Director and Founder of Broadway In The HOOD.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit our website at www.Broadwayinthehood.org
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